Is Alcoholism Genetic? Unraveling the Complexities of Addiction

Addiction has a genetic component for some individuals. People with a family history of substance use disorder (SUD) or alcohol abuse have a higher risk of being diagnosed with alcohol use disorder (AUD). The disease has a genetic component that affects how some individuals metabolize and respond to alcohol. Desert Willow Wellness uses evidence-based and holistic therapies to treat alcohol addiction. The clinical team utilizes psychoeducation and other tools to help clients better understand their condition, including any genetic factors. 

Is Alcoholism Genetic?

Many potential factors influence whether a person develops alcohol dependence or addiction. According to Nature Reviews Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “Abundant evidence indicates that alcoholism is a complex genetic disease, with variations in a large number of genes affecting risk.” However, “[W]hile genetic differences affect risk, there is no ‘gene for alcoholism,’ and both environmental and social factors weigh heavily on the outcome.” Often, multiple factors come together to cause addictive behaviors. 

Treatment programs identify and address the various underlying causes. Some of the known risk factors for alcohol abuse include: 

• Drinking at an early age 

• Family history of mental health disorders 

• Experiencing or witnessing traumatic events 

• Abuse or neglect 

• Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)

• Excessive alcohol use

• Peer pressure 

• Insomnia and other sleep disturbances 

  
  

Mental and physical health directly affect people's ability to make informed and healthy decisions. Addictive behaviors may develop as a result of unmanaged or undiagnosed health issues or chronic conditions. Individuals with a high risk of developing AUD benefit from early intervention and treatment. 

Understanding the Role of Heredity in Addiction

While genetics plays a significant role in the disease of addiction, it is not the only contributing factor. Alcohol abuse can be compared to a garden, where genetics is the soil. Environmental influences, family dynamics, experiences, and personal choices are like the weather, a gardener's care, and seeds being planted. Together, genetics and other factors determine what takes root, grows, or withers. In the metaphorical garden, alcohol abuse is the result of a complex and dynamic ecosystem instead of the result of a single element. 

Twin studies have shown that individuals with blood relatives who abuse alcohol have a higher likelihood of developing AUD and other addictive behaviors. According to the previously mentioned article in Nature Reviews Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “Adoption studies show that alcoholism in adoptees correlates more strongly with their biological parents than their adoptive parents,” and “there is overwhelming evidence that genetic variations contribute to the risk for alcohol dependence.” People can inherit genes that increase their sensitivity to alcohol and addictive behaviors. 

Growing a Healthier Future

Treatment programs help clients grow a healthier metaphorical garden to support a sober future through harm reduction therapy, relapse prevention strategies, and skill development. Clinicians give clients the information and resources they need to maintain independent sobriety. The life skills, peer support, and therapeutic guidance clients receive in rehabilitation ensure they have the best tools to heal and build a more fulfilling future. Treatment programs address substance abuse by empowering clients and giving them the skills to regain control of their lives. 

The Science of Genetics and Alcoholism

Understanding the aspects of the genome and how specific genes express themselves during alcohol consumption may give individuals with AUD important context for their condition. Desert Willow Wellness uses psychoeducation to teach clients about the links between genetics and substance dependence. 

Some of the genes that may contribute to alcohol abuse include: 

• GABRA2: Affects subjective responses to alcohol

• CHRM2: Impacts feedback regulation and synaptic activity 

• KCNJ6: Affects the reward centers of the brain and executive functioning 

• AUTS2: Impacts the reward and regulation processes 

Genes play a role in addictive behaviors for some individuals. However, they rarely cause alcohol addiction on their own. Desert Willow Wellness is committed to understanding the multifaceted nature of addiction. Clinicians use personalized care to address these complexities and ensure clients learn to effectively manage their condition. 

Research and Statistics

Many studies have explored the link between genetics and alcoholism. Animal and human studies have shown that the disease of AUD has a significant genetic component. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), “Between 50% and 60% of the vulnerability to AUD is inherited and likely due to variants in many genes.” In addition, “Different genes confer risk by affecting various biological processes and mental states and traits, including, for example, physiological responses to alcohol and stress, alcohol metabolism, addiction-related neurobiology, and behavioral tendencies such as impulsivity.” Genes affect alcohol intolerance and alcohol intoxication, among other risk factors. 

The Role of Neurotransmitters

Genetics impact the way neurotransmitters respond to alcohol. Neurotransmitters allow nerve cells to communicate with one another. If something inhibits or otherwise affects the function of neurotransmitters, it may impact behavior, mood, emotional regulation, and general health. According to Alcohol Health and Research World, “Evidence suggests that alcohol affects brain function by interacting with multiple neurotransmitter systems, thereby disrupting the delicate balance between inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters.” 

Neurotransmitters play an integral role in regulating body systems by doing the following: 

• Serotonin and dopamine affect mood and emotional regulation 

• Melatonin and GABA affect sleep quality and sleep-wake cycles

• Endorphins and substance P affect pain perception and tolerance

• Norepinephrine and cortisol regulation affect stress responses

• Glutamate affects cognitive function 

Alcohol abuse influences multiple neurotransmitters and may cause a wide range of emotional and behavioral health issues. 

Environmental Factors and Alcoholism

Specific genes increase vulnerability to alcohol addiction. However, environmental factors can also affect how these genes influence a person's behavior. Environmental factors, such as peer pressure, stress, and poverty, may contribute to alcohol addiction. Genetics alone do not determine addiction.

Some examples of environmental factors that contribute to alcohol abuse or other addictive behaviors include: 

• Exposure to violence, abuse, neglect, or chronic stress 

• Dysfunctional family dynamics 

• Adolescents who lack parental supervision or support

• High-stress living, school, or work environment 

• Financial instability, homelessness, unemployment, and other socioeconomic challenges 

• Cultural and community influences

Treatment programs give people the skills and tools to address environmental issues affecting sobriety and mental health. 

The Influence of Learned Behaviors

Learned behaviors and family dynamics can influence alcohol use. Addressing these factors in treatment reduces the risk of relapse and makes it less likely that individuals will develop additional mental health issues in the future. 

Learned behaviors and family dynamics contribute to addictive behavior by doing the following: 

• Modeling substance use and other maladaptive behaviors as coping mechanisms 

• Normalizing unhealthy beliefs or patterns of behavior 

• Reinforcing denial, secrecy, or enabling behaviors 

• Failing to set boundaries or reinforce accountability 

• Discouraging open and honest communication 

• Neglecting to address or treat mental health issues 

• Creating an emotionally unstable home environment 

• Promoting codependency and other unhealthy relationship dynamics 

Rehabilitation programs teach families how to heal and develop healthier relationships. A positive family dynamic supports sobriety and positive mental health. 

The Impact of Community and Culture

Community and cultural norms may affect alcohol consumption and addiction. For example, retired individuals have an increased risk of developing AUD as they spend more time with peers engaging in communal activities that involve drinking. Spending time with friends at a bar as a retiree is seen as entirely harmless, even though the behavior may lead to alcohol addiction for individuals with genetic factors that increase their risk. 

Most people with genetic factors influencing their reactions to alcohol have no idea they may be more susceptible to dependency. Peer pressure to drink alcohol or abuse other substances significantly affects teens. Many people diagnosed with AUD have a history of drinking as an adolescent or teen. 

The Interplay of Genetics and Environment

The environment where a person lives and works affects their behavior and mental health. Individuals with certain genetic predispositions may experience more profound side effects compared to people without those specific genes. For example, some people have genes that cause them to feel stress more acutely. Chronic stress caused by interpersonal, school, or work pressures may cause people to rely on maladaptive coping mechanisms. Those individuals may have a higher risk of using alcohol or other substances to manage high stress levels. 

Understanding the Complex Interaction Between Genetics and Environment

A person's genetics and environment interact to influence their risk of alcoholism. A holistic approach to treatment addresses all factors that may impact lasting sobriety by ensuring clients have a safe environment to return to after completing treatment and a better understanding of how their genetics impact behaviors. 

The complex interaction between environment and genetics affects how people respond to treatment for alcohol use disorder. Some individuals benefit from the following: 

• Prescription medications to manage cravings 

• Individual and group therapy

• Structured environments that support healthy routines 

• Peer support groups

• Personalized treatment plans 

• Family involvement in treatment 

Desert Willow Wellness provides clients with a respectful and welcoming environment where they can heal and grow in an inclusive community of peers. 

Risk Factors and Vulnerability

Multiple environmental, social, genetic, and health factors may increase a person's risk of developing AUD. Most people with AUD have several risk factors contributing to their addictive behaviors and influencing their recovery from substance abuse. 

Some of the most common risk factors contributing to the relapse of AUD include: 

• Exposure to high-risk situations and locations (e.g., parties, locations that serve alcohol, etc.)

• Unmanaged stress 

• Chronic health issues

• Emotional dysregulation 

• Lack of a strong support system 

• Conflict in personal relationships

People vulnerable to alcohol abuse benefit from abstinence and establishing healthy boundaries around alcohol and other addictive substances. The programs at Desert Willow Wellness give clients and their families the tools to create a safe environment for long-term sobriety. 

Family Dynamics Before and After Treatment

Families often play an essential role in supporting ongoing sobriety after treatment. However, in many cases, families also contributed to unhealthy dynamics by enabling addictive behaviors. 

Some common maladaptive family dynamics experienced by individuals with AUD include: 

• Behaviors that intentionally support substance abuse

• Codependency 

• Poor communication 

• Denial or minimization of substance abuse 

• Inconsistent boundaries 

• Unclear or unrealistic expectations 

• Shaming or blaming 

• Unresolved or unmanaged intergenerational trauma

• Family instability 

Identifying toxic family dynamics and using family therapy or other tools to help people heal reduces the risk of relapse by fostering healthier relationships. After treatment, clients may rely on their loved ones to help them maintain accountability, reintegrate into the community, and maintain healthy routines. 

The Importance of Individualized Care

Highlight Desert Willow Wellness focuses on individualized care, recognizing the unique interplay of genetics and environment in each client. The comprehensive assessments and screening tools used during the initial intake interview and subsequent follow-up appointments allow clinicians to tailor treatment to each client's unique circumstances. 

Individualized care addresses the underlying causes of addiction, including trauma, genetic predisposition, and environmental factors, using a combination of therapeutic modalities. Personalized care increases the effectiveness of treatment programs and ensures treatment plans align with client beliefs, values, lifestyles, and goals. The flexibility of tailored care promotes long-term sobriety by adapting to client needs as they evolve during treatment. 

Addressing Alcoholism at Desert Willow Wellness

Desert Willow Wellness treats AUD using holistic and evidence-based therapies, including psychoeducation, mindfulness, and relapse prevention strategies. The integrative care and personalized programs prepare clients and their families to transition to aftercare and independent sobriety. 

Holistic Treatment Approach

A holistic approach to treating alcohol addiction promotes resilience and fosters personal growth through skill development. Clients can take advantage of a wide range of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), “CAM practices include a variety of practices or techniques administered or taught by a trained instructor,” including “acupuncture, massage therapy, deep breathing, meditation (mindfulness or transcendental), guided imagery, movement therapies (e.g., Feldenkrais method, Alexander technique, Pilates, Rolfing Structural Integration, Trager psychophysical integration), relaxation techniques, spinal manipulation, tai chi, qi gong, yoga, and hypnotherapy to name a few.” The addiction and mental health experts at Desert Willow Wellness focus on addressing both genetic and environmental factors using holistic therapies.

Social Support and Education

Psychoeducation and other forms of support help clients heal more quickly from the effects of alcohol addiction. Community engagement offers social support through peer interactions. Self-help and other community-based services give people a safe space to share information, resources, and tips on overcoming challenges in rehabilitation. 

Desert Willow Wellness encourages peers to empower and uplift one another during group therapy and community events. The clinical team also offers psychoeducation, relapse prevention education, and other information to ensure clients understand the realities of alcohol addiction and what to expect during rehabilitation. 

Relapse Prevention and Coping Strategies

Relapse affects over half of individuals diagnosed with substance use disorder. Relapse prevention strategies help people avoid returning to maladaptive coping behaviors during times of stress. The tranquil property at Desert Willow Wellness offers a place of healing where people come together to develop strategies for managing long-term sobriety. 

The relapse prevention education and coping skills taught at Desert Willow Wellness ensure clients know how to do the following: 

• Identify emotional, environmental, or social triggers that may lead to relapse 

• Develop personalized coping strategies for managing cravings and intrusive thoughts related to substance abuse

• Recognize the early warning signs of emotional or physical relapse and how to manage them safely 

• Use mindfulness, relaxation, and meditation techniques to reduce stress 

• Stay accountable through aftercare using therapy, self-help groups, and other support resources 

The care team helps clients develop coping strategies to recognize relapse triggers. 

Preparing Individuals and Families for the Transition Into Aftercare

Desert Willow Wellness prepares clients and their loved ones for the transition to aftercare by doing the following: 

• Developing a tailored aftercare plan outlining continued support, therapy, and recovery goals 

• Coordinating with outpatient providers and community-based resources 

• Providing relapse prevention training for real-world situations 

• Offering referrals to outside therapists and other resources 

• Encouraging participation in peer support networks and self-help groups 

Clinicians empower clients to advocate for themselves and develop essential life skills for navigating challenges in aftercare. 

Genetics plays a role in the development of alcohol addiction. Some people inherit genes that make them more susceptible to addictive behaviors and the influence of alcohol. Treating alcohol use disorder (AUD) involves identifying the potential underlying causes and creating effective strategies for addressing them. People with AUD benefit from psychoeducation and learning more about how genetics, environmental factors, and other causes of addiction impact their behaviors. The clinical team at Desert Willow Wellness uses evidence-based and holistic therapies to help clients better understand and manage their condition. Our rehabilitation programs ensure clients and their families know how to navigate long-term sobriety. To learn more about our programs and how we treat AUD, contact our office today at (800) 939-0216.