Alcoholism has been a problem in the world for centuries. It is an addiction that affects people across all social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds. Genetics are believed to play a role in the development of alcoholism. But what exactly causes it? Is it possible to be born with a predisposition to alcoholism, or does age play any role? The genetic component of alcoholism is not well understood. However, some studies have found that there are genes that can cause people to drink more than they should or become alcoholics. The below article will dive into the genetic component of alcoholism:
Alcoholism Defined
Alcoholism can be defined as an uncontrolled drinking habit that results in impaired health, damaged relationships, and social problems. In many cases, alcoholism also leads to other mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety disorders. Alcoholism cannot be overcome without the help of professionals.
Research On The Genetic Component To Alcoholism
If you are concerned about your risk of developing alcoholism, it is important to understand the genes that can be linked to alcoholism and what they do. Some of the genes that have been linked to alcoholism encode proteins involved in the metabolism of alcohol. Others affect how pleasant drinking experiences seem to be, which can increase someone’s susceptibility to addiction. This has led scientists to research what causes alcohol dependence and how it works inside the human body. Recent years have brought significant breakthroughs in this field, with new studies showing more insights into the genetic components of alcoholism every day. These discoveries will help us understand why specific individuals are at higher risk for developing substance abuse issues. In contrast, others don’t seem so significantly influenced by environmental factors when exposed to alcohol consumption patterns early in life. Let’s take a look at some of the latest findings in this field.
Family History
Genetics has long been known to play a role in alcoholism. Studies have shown that people with a family history of alcoholism are more likely to develop the condition themselves than those without such a history. However, it is still not fully understood how genes contribute to alcoholism and what specific genes are responsible for it. In recent years, studies have begun to focus on identifying these genes and investigating their role in the development of alcohol addiction. One study published in 2016 looked at data from over 180,000 individuals and found that specific genetic variants were associated with an increased risk of developing alcoholism.
ADH Gene
Another study published in 2017 identified a gene called ADH, which is believed to be involved in the development of alcohol dependence. Researchers think that this gene makes people more likely to consume alcohol and also changes the way their brains respond to drinking. They believe that these effects may be further exacerbated in combination with other genes, which contribute to alcoholism development and lead some individuals to develop a dependency on alcohol much earlier than others. There are three major types of gene mutations that may lead to alcoholism: ADH2, ALDH2, and CYP2E1. ADH2 produces a protein called alpha-acetolactate synthase (ALAS). This protein helps with converting acetaldehyde into acetic acid in humans after drinking alcohol. The mutation causes too much acetaldehyde to be produced after drinking alcohol leading to symptoms such as nausea or vomiting.
Environmental Factors
There is no doubt that genetic components play an important role when it comes to alcoholism, but they are not the only ones involved here. Environmental factors such as peer pressure or stress levels can also make a difference, especially for young adults who often experiment with alcoholic drinks before making up their minds about becoming dependent on them later in life.
Gender Differences
In addition, there has been very little research done regarding gender differences when it comes to genetics and addiction risk, which means we still have a lot to learn about how these factors interact. However, the discoveries that have been made so far provide us with a better understanding of this complex condition and offer hope for new treatments in the future. With more research being done in this area, we can only expect these findings to become even more refined and help us battle alcoholism on all fronts.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of whether or not alcoholism is genetic. However, recent studies have shown that there may be a significant genetic component to the development of this disease. Researchers are still working to identify all of the genes involved in alcoholism. Still, they have already identified several key ones. While genetics certainly play a role in determining who develops alcoholism, it is not the only factor. Environmental influences, such as stress or exposure to alcohol in childhood, can also increase your risk. If you are worried about your drinking habits, it is important to seek help from a professional. Rehab centers offer various programs that will fit every person’s struggle. However, understanding genetics’ role in alcoholism can be an important step on the road to recovery.
