Can A Genetic Background Contribute to Alcohol Dependency? 

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. 

How Much of Alcohol Addiction Is Genetic?

Research suggests that genetics account for around 40 to 60 percent of a person’s risk of developing alcohol use disorder (AUD).
Twin and adoption studies over several decades have shown that people with a biological parent or sibling who experienced alcoholism are significantly more likely to develop it themselves.
This heritability does not mean that addiction is predetermined. The remaining influence comes from environmental and psychological factors, such as stress, trauma, and social drinking habits—which can either trigger or protect against dependency.
Understanding this genetic predisposition helps clinicians design personalised alcohol treatment plans that address both inherited vulnerabilities and lifestyle patterns.

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 how they interact with environmental factors) can influence the risk of alcohol use disorder (AUD).

For instance, two genes involved in alcohol metabolism, ADH1B and ALDH2, affect how efficiently our bodies break down alcohol:

• ADH1B influences the first step of metabolism. Variants can lead to faster or slower alcohol breakdown.
• ALDH2 affects the second step. Some variants cause unpleasant effects such as facial flushing, nausea, or rapid heartbeat, which can discourage heavy drinking.

Recent studies also highlight genes that affect how alcohol influences the brain’s reward and stress systems:

• GABRA2 and CHRM2 are associated with differences in neurotransmission and craving intensity.
• DRD2 affects dopamine receptors, influencing how rewarding alcohol feels for some people.

These genetic variations don’t cause alcoholism directly, but they can alter how vulnerable a person is to dependence, especially when combined with stress, trauma, or repeated exposure to drinking.

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 alcohol rehab in Cape Town.

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.