Is alcoholism inherited?

Here are the questions The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
most often receives about alcohol along with their answers. They provide
information to better understand the health consequences of alcohol abuse
and dependence (alcoholism). Consult your physician or health care provider if
you or a loved one has an alcohol problem.

Is alcoholism inherited?

Research shows that the risk for developing alcoholism does indeed run in
families. The genes a person inherits partially explain this pattern, but lifestyle
is also a factor. Currently, researchers are working to discover the actual genes
that put people at risk for alcoholism. Your friends, the amount of stress in your
life, and how readily available alcohol is also are factors that may increase your
risk for alcoholism. But remember: Risk is not destiny. Just because
alcoholism tends to run in families doesn't mean that a child of an alcoholic
parent will automatically become an alcoholic too. Some people develop
alcoholism even though no one in their family has a drinking problem. By the
same token, not all children of alcoholic families get into trouble with alcohol.
Knowing you are at risk is important, though, because then you can take steps
to protect yourself from developing problems with alcohol.

What is alcoholism?

Is alcoholism a disease?

Can alcoholism be cured?

Can alcoholism be treated?

Which medications treat alcoholism?

Does alcoholism treatment work?

Do you have be an alcoholic to experience problems?

Are specific groups of people more likely to have problems?

How can you tell if someone has a problem?

Can a problem drinker simply cut down?

If an alcoholic is unwilling to get help, what can you do about it?

What is a safe level of drinking?

Is it safe to drink during pregnancy?

Does alcohol affect older people differently?

Does alcohol affect women differently?

Is alcohol good for your heart?

When taking medications, must you stop drinking?

How can a person get help for an alcohol problem?







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