Alcohol dependency is a serious problem with devastating consequences. While some people develop the problem later in life, genetics may also be crucial. People born with alcoholic parents are typically at a higher risk of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), but genetic predisposition doesn’t solely determine a person’s likelihood of addiction. This article will discuss how various factors interact with genetic influences to shape the disease.
Can a Person Be Born with Alcohol Addiction?
People can’t be born with alcohol addiction, but it’s possible that prenatal exposure can increase the likelihood of developing dependency. Children born to mothers with alcohol addiction are more likely to have developmental challenges, which can increase their risk of developing an alcohol use disorder.
Prenatal Alcohol Exposure
Prenatal alcohol exposure refers to the exposure of fetuses to harmful substances. This typically happens to people whose mothers engaged in alcohol consumption while pregnant.
The range of conditions that include physical, behavioural, and cognitive impairments are called Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs). Because of these conditions, people may have an increased urge to drink.
Inherited Risk vs. Immediate Addiction
Inherited risk refers to the genetic factors that influence brain chemistry and behaviour. Metabolism, for instance, can affect how quickly a person metabolises alcohol. Genetics play a role in a person’s metabolism and can impact their risk of developing alcohol use disorder.
On the other hand, immediate action is the result of repeated behaviours that lead to alcohol abuse. For example, repeated consumption of large amounts of alcohol can eventually evolve into an alcohol use disorder.
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
While neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is typically associated with opioid use, it still highlights the risk associated with drinking and using harmful substances during pregnancy. A person born with NAS will have different problems with withdrawing from drugs or alcohol the mother used during pregnancy.
Overcoming NAS can be incredibly difficult, as it requires babies to go through extensive hospital procedures. Babies with NAS are often fussy and calm due to withdrawal symptoms, so special care is needed to help wean the baby off the drug.
Chances of Inheriting AUD From Your Parents
According to studies, there is around a 50% to 60% chance of inheriting AUD risk factors. Remember that alcoholism alone isn’t hereditary – what you inherit are the risk factors and vulnerabilities that contribute to the likelihood of addiction.
When born with these vulnerabilities, it doesn’t mean that you’re already addicted to alcohol. Many ways still exist to manage these risk factors and prevent AUD from developing.
Is There an Alcohol Addiction Gene?
There is no single gene that makes alcoholism hereditary. However, a combination of multiple genes and their interaction with environmental factors may influence the risk of AUD.
For instance, two genes of alcohol metabolism, ADH1B and ALDH2, influence how quickly our bodies break down alcohol. Here’s a closer look:
- ADH1B: This gene affects the first step of alcohol metabolism. Variants in this gene can lead to faster or slower breakdown of alcohol.
- ALDH2: This gene affects the second step of alcohol metabolism. Some variations in this gene can cause unpleasant side effects like flushing, nausea, and rapid heartbeat when drinking alcohol. This can discourage excessive drinking.
People with certain genetic variations in these genes may be more or less likely to develop alcohol use disorder.
Environment Vs Genes for Alcoholism
Despite the presence of certain genes that can predispose people to certain AUD risks, remember that the genetics part of it only accounts for half of the risk. The other half comes from the social and environmental factors.
A combination of both these factors plays a role in alcohol use disorder. As such, addressing genetic and environmental components in prevention and treatment is important.
Is Alcohol Tolerance Genetic?
Alcohol tolerance isn’t genetic, but some gene variations affect how efficiently the body metabolises alcohol and how sensitive the brain is to its effects. While alcohol tolerance only has some genetic influence, alcohol intolerance is entirely determined by genetics.
Genes That Influence Tolerance Levels
The genes mentioned in the previous section, ADH1B and ALDH2, can also influence tolerance levels. People with variations in these genes may process alcohol more slowly or quickly.
Enzyme activity can also have a genetic factor and affect a person’s tolerance to alcohol. For instance, variations in the genes that regulate neurotransmitter systems in the brain can make people more or less sensitive to alcohol’s effects.
Difference Between Alcohol Tolerance and Dependency
Both alcohol tolerance and dependency develop over time, but there are differences between the two. An alcohol tolerance is something that develops over time as a result of repeated drinking. It refers to the need for people to drink larger amounts of alcohol to achieve the same effects.
On the other hand, dependency is when a person needs to drink to function properly continuously. A person is dependent on alcohol when they experience withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit. Anxiety, nausea, and cravings when not drinking may indicate alcohol dependence.
Other Risk Factors for Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcoholism isn’t solely hereditary. Other risk factors play a significant role in developing alcohol-related problems. In most cases, these environmental factors have a bigger influence on the development of the disease.
Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions
Mental health disorders and substance abuse often co-exist. Many people struggling with mental health problems turn to harmful substances in hopes of overcoming and escaping negative emotions.
When substance misuse and mental health disorders happen at the same time, a special treatment called Dual Diagnosis is necessary. Without addressing both conditions together, the likelihood of relapse remains high.
Peer Pressure
Constantly hanging out with people who engage in alcohol use can increase a person’s likelihood of developing AUD. Heavy drinking can be normalised in these environments, especially among adolescents and young adults.
Cultural Norms
Cultural norms also influence the probability of developing AUD, with many cultures integrating drinking into social gatherings and celebrations. People who attend these events may have difficulty saying no to one drink because they may be seen as rude or unfriendly.
Accessibility
Accessibility is also a concern when it comes to AUD development. Whether access to alcohol is through social gatherings or low prices, they both contribute to higher consumption rates. For instance, happy hours, where drinks are sold for a lower price, can make it easier to drink more for cheaper.
Lifestyle Choices
Many people have associated alcohol with different parts of their lives, making it difficult to break the drinking habit. Lifestyle choices, such as drinking after a long day at work, may seem harmless at first. Over time, this small habit can lead to tolerance and the eventual development of AUD.
How to Reduce the Risk of Inheriting AUD
To reduce the risk of AUD from genetic factors, it’s important to adopt a few strategies:
- Limit alcohol consumption: Abstaining or limiting your alcohol consumption is the ideal way to prevent overdrinking. The ideal amount of alcohol consumption is no more than 14 units a week.
- Build a good support network: A good support network can help provide moral support and encouragement when limiting alcohol use gets difficult.
- Explore new hobbies and activities: Hobbies that don’t include substance abuse, such as working out, painting, or cooking, can help divert attention away from alcohol use.
- Seek professional help if needed: When needed, experienced help from mental health professionals or addiction specialists can provide the proper guidance needed to manage drinking habits.
Seek Help for Alcoholism at Liberty Home Clinic
People struggling with alcoholism need specialised help to overcome their struggles. At Liberty Home Clinic, we provide effective and comprehensive treatment for those struggling with alcohol use.
Our team promises to approach each situation with the utmost care so that clients can achieve a sober and more fulfilling life. Contact us today to learn more.
