Is Alcoholism Passed Through The Genes?

Certainly the popular notion that alcoholism may be inherited from our parents has gained momentum in recent times. This is not a new school of thought by any means, but it has gained creditability as a result of detailed investigations that have been carried out in the name of science these past decades. There is no question that typically a pattern emerges where a tendency to alcoholism and alcohol related problems do affect siblings and generations within a family. By no means does this conclusively indicate that alcoholism or alcohol related problems will plague you because you inherited the gene from a parent.

On the other hand, there are many genetically inherited characteristics that have been proven to impact on the likelihood of an individual becoming a statistic of alcoholism related concerns. It is safley surmised that the genetic predisposition toward alcoholism may be a combination of social factors and genetic predisposition. As yet, there has not been a breakthrough in the discovery of a particular alcoholic gene but there have been significant findings in the relationship between some inherited genes that are known to be present in a vast number of alcoholics studied. The gene found in those suffering from depression is 5-HTT (the serotonin transporter gene), is but one example of a commonly inherited gene shared by a large number of alcoholics. The presence of this gene also does not doom a person to depression. Like alcoholism, social and environmental factors are very evident in the reflection of the condition upon an individual.

Another genetically inherited characteristic that has a relationship to alcoholism is a variation in our liver enzymes that controls the rate that our liver processes alcohol. Alcoholism is considered to be a complex disease as is diabetes, meaning that genetic makeup alone does not automatically lead to alcoholism, social environmental influences contribute to the diseases presence.

We typically learn our social skills from within our families from birth. It is here that we learn right from wrong and acceptable social behavior. Social interactions within the family that are learned in early childhood can be imprinted in our minds as being the model of proper social interactions. The same principle applies to all other occasions and daily events. Social conditioning occurs not solely from events occurring within family relationships, but is also absorded from all social relationships. Indeed, visual repetitive learning is a valuable and effective teaching tool; unfortunately, it is not so selective as to be able to dismiss the negative influence also.

Environmental factors that often reflect a tendency toward alcoholism do not fall squarely in the home of a family. Life choices, actions and behaviors engaged in, continue to be the responsibilty of the individual. If your mother was an alcoholic, and the family drank to excess at home and socially, this does not absolve an individual of responsibility from the choices they make for themselves.

Science continues to explore the complexities of alcoholism. Certainly medical communities are diligently pressing on with the hope that one day this disease that destroys mankind from the inside out and devastates entire families and the loved ones of sufferers may one day be completely understood. We understand that while genetics contributes to the disease of alcoholism, there are complex factors at work which include social environment; much is yet to be learned. Meanwhile, it is a blessing that support and help is available for those who choose to avail themselves of it.

Listed below are more articles related to the above article from the "Alcoholism" article category.

People interested in the above article "Is Alcoholism Passed Through The Genes?" are also interested in the related articles listed below:

 

Tips on How to Choose an Alcohol Rehab Center

Choosing the right alcohol rehab center is an important step and choosing wisely and well can actually help sustain the decision for recovery and make the recovery itself more successful. Make the decision based on the cost factor, the location of the facility, the philosophy of care offered, after care duration and nature of post rehab program, etc.

Alcohol Rehab Facilities: Inpatient or Outpatient?

It is not just a matter of where you lay your head to rest at night that makes outpatient alcohol rehab different from alcohol rehab center that offers inpatient facilities. With an inpatient facility one is required to commit to the program more totally; it offers a 24 x 7 residential facility that isolates an individual from the outside world. With an outpatient facility, one can actually carry on with their regular life in terms of work, school, family, etc.; it is part time so to speak.

Alcohol and Its Effects On Your Organs

The action of alcohol on the stomach is extremely dangerous that it becomes unable to produce the natural digestive fluid in sufficient quantity and also fails to absorb the food which it may imperfectly digest. A condition marked by the sense of nausea emptiness, prostration and distention will always be faced by an alcoholic.

The Stages Of Alcoholism

Could you recognize the stages of alcoholism in yourself, your friends, or your family members? If you are concerned that someone you know has an alcohol problem, then just knowing the four alcoholism stages could enable you to help that person quit drinking, and may even help you save their life.

Common Signs Of Alcoholism

Someone you love may be an alcoholic, and you don’t even know it. But knowing the symptoms of alcoholism, and the warnings signs people with alcoholism exhibit, will go a long way towards helping you get them the help they need.

Dangers of Alcohol - Save Your Life

Alcohol has many side effects including altering your perceptions, dulling your senses, hindering coordination, and blocking memory functions. If you continue to use alcohol heavily, you could experience stomach ailments, sexual impotence, heart and central nervous system damage, loss of appetite, and blackouts.

Side Effects of Alcoholism

2-4 per cent of all cancer cases are related to alcohol. Upper digestive tract cancers are the most common, hitting the esophagus, mouth, larynx, and pharynx. Women who drink prior to menopause are more likely to develop breast cancer. Your risk of skin cancer doubles if you drink slightly more than "moderate levels." Some studies implicate alcohol in colon, stomach, pancreas and lung cancer. And let's not forget the liver...