Alcoholism And Your Genes

Alcoholism is a cursed inheritance. Parents, grandparents, siblings, uncles, cousins... if you're struggling with addiction, chances are the apple didn't fall too far from the family tree.

This does not mean that every child of an alcoholic will develop alcoholism, but it does indicate in increased risk of dependency-related traits:

• Antisocial behavior (risk-taking, aggression, hyperactivity)
• Reduced sensitivity to alcohol
• Tolerance for large quantities

Many diseases are linked to changes in specific, inheritable genes. If the identity of the genes that influence alcoholism can be determined, researchers might be able to devise a way to repair the damage, thereby reducing the risk that alcoholic traits would be passed on.

Alcoholism and Your Genes - Preliminary Animal Studies

Alcohol-related behavior has been studied closely in lab mice that were selected as breeders for experiments involving genetic inheritance. Researchers demonstrated separate breeding lines exhibiting high and low propensities for alcoholic effects are possible - a confirmation that genes play an important role in alcoholic tendencies.

Additional studies have uncovered one gene in particular that manufactures a protein involved with brain function during development and cognitive activity. When the gene is damaged or missing, protein production is inadequate, and anxiety levels rise. Preference for alcohol over water was seen even in mice with this chromosome deficiency.

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Alcoholism and Your Genes - Twins vs. Adopted Families

Identical twins (those that have identical chromosomes) display a marked similarity in rates of alcohol dependence than fraternal twins (those that have different genetics). Extrapolating concrete data from adoption studies is more difficult due to the anonymous nature of most biological parents and the prevalence of stable family environments willing to open their homes to children in need of parents. That being said, researchers have begun to notice that children of alcoholics who were adopted by alcohol-free families do develop alcoholism more often than adopted children of non-alcoholics.

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Which Genes Have Been Linked to Alcoholism?

No single gene has been identified as the one true cause of alcoholism. Rather, it appears that mutations within several genes can transmit various physiological symptoms that increase the risk of a person developing alcoholism.

Chromosome 1 - has at least one gene associated with higher rates of alcoholism and/or mood disorders (such as depression) depending on which form the gene takes.

Chromosome 15 - several genes (especially GABRG3 and GABRA2) have been found to affect both the receptor for and the chemical messenger known as GABA, which is linked to the physical side effects of alcohol use (loss of coordination, mood swings, withdrawal).

Serotonin transport gene - impairment of this gene means lower serotonin levels in the brain, resulting in failed transportation of important chemical messages and a stronger chance of developing alcohol dependence.

It is interesting to note that two mutations of the serotonin transport gene have been discovered, known as the "long form" and "short-form." Short form carriers are more at risk of alcohol dependence than long form carriers due to decreased operation of serotonin in the brain. Additionally, the short form of the gene is transmitted to offspring nearly twice as often as the long form, showing sufficient evidence to link its presence with alcohol dependency.

Medications that increase production of these proteins and neurotransmitters might be able to reduce an individual's desire or dependency for alcohol. More research is still needed, as scientists are not yet certain just how these factors may lead to alcoholism, or what the best methods are for developing a cure.

Even when genetic factors point to a strong likelihood that alcohol could become a problem in your life, the most important thing to remember is that this represents a risk, not a prophecy.

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Treatment for Alcoholism at The Canyon

Staff members at The Canyon stay on the cutting edge of new medical research designed to decrease the risk and severity of symptoms associated with alcohol and drug addiction. Recovery is the goal, and our compassionate team of experts strives to offer comprehensive, multi-discipline healing therapies with a proven track record.

If alcohol has become an important part of your life, it's up to you to stop the cycle before it gets any worse. Call The Canyon at today to get started on the treatment program that's right for you.

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