Is Alcoholism Genetic?

Alcoholism can be genetic, but genetic risk factors alone don’t guarantee that you will develop an alcohol problem. 

While certain genes can make you more vulnerable to developing alcohol use disorder (AUD), genetics alone doesn’t determine if you will become an alcoholic. In other words, just because alcoholism runs in your family does not mean you will automatically develop a substance use disorder.

In fact, research shows that about 50% of the risk for alcoholism is inherited, while the rest depends on your environment, upbringing, mental health, and personal choices.

AUD is a complex condition shaped by genetics, behavioural patterns, and social influences. In this article, we take a closer look at how alcohol misuse often runs in families, what science says about the inherited risks of drug abuse, and which genetic factors might play a role.

If you’ve ever wondered whether alcoholism is “in your blood”, or if you’re concerned about a loved one, read on. Understanding your risk factors can help you reduce the negative consequences of alcohol dependence.

Alcohol Addiction and Genetics: What Does The Science Say?

Science has proven that genetics play a significant role in the development of alcoholism. 

Studies have shown that people with a close family member, especially a parent or sibling, who struggles with alcohol use disorder are at a much higher risk of developing it themselves. 

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism says on their page Alcohol Use Disorder: From Risk to Diagnosis to Recovery, “A combination of genetic and environmental factors contributes to a person’s vulnerability to AUD.”

Another fascinating finding that supports the genetic side of alcoholism is that children of alcoholics are four times more likely than the general population to develop alcoholism, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health on their page Family History of Alcoholism: Are You at Risk?

There’s also more concrete and statistically reliable evidence to support the claim that alcoholism is heritable. In one meta-analysis published in the National Library of Medicine entitled The heritability of alcohol use disorders: a meta-analysis of twin and adoption studies by B Verhulst, M C Neale, and K S Kendler, the results also found that AUD is 50% heritable. This was based on 12 twin and 5 adoption studies.

The evidence is clear: having an alcoholic parent or sibling is a major risk factor for developing alcohol use disorder.

But having these genes doesn’t mean your fate is sealed. Factors like stress, trauma, peer influence, the age at which you started drinking alcohol, and comorbid mental disorders play just as much of a role in whether or not those genes are ever “activated”. Remember, only 50% of the disease is heritable, meaning you’re just as likely to NOT have it as you are to have it.

Is There an Alcohol Addiction Gene?

No, there’s no single “alcoholism gene”, but there are genetic markers associated with alcoholism. Science has not found one single gene that “flips a switch” and guarantees that you’ll develop an addiction. 

However, research shows that hundreds of genes may influence how your brain processes alcohol, reacts to stress, processes reward, and manages impulse control. There are even other risk factors, such as your alcohol metabolism, which is how your body metabolises alcohol, that can be a major risk factor.

So, it’s not a single “alcohol addiction” gene. It’s more of a set of different genetic markers that affect different parts of your genome, which then ultimately increase the likelihood that you develop a substance abuse problem.

A large-scale genetic study entitled ”The genetic landscape of substance use disorders” by Gerring, Zachary F., et al., published in Nature Neuroscience (2024), identified over 400 genetic markers associated with alcohol use behaviours. These genes may affect how alcohol is metabolised in your body, how rewarding it feels in your brain, and how sensitive you are to its effects.

At our clinic, many of our patients come from families where substance use is part of the household pattern, often going back generations. That doesn’t mean they were destined to become addicted, but it does mean that they were at increased risk of developing addiction from an early age.

It’s also a question of education and nurture. Children who grow up around alcohol misuse often internalise it as normal. Early exposure, untreated trauma, and co-occurring conditions like depression or anxiety can all amplify genetic risk. 

Let’s cover some of those risk factors now to help you better assess your risk level for developing addiction.

What Are the Risk Factors for AUD?

The biggest risk factors for developing alcohol-related problems include early-onset drinking, your genetics, environmental influences, and co-occurring mental health conditions, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Some people may carry a higher alcoholism risk from birth, while others develop it over time due to trauma, chronic stress, or social exposure. By understanding these risks, you can prevent AUD or step in before the problem becomes more serious.

Here are some common factors that result in increased AUD risk:

If any of these sound familiar to you, your alcohol consumption could be problematic. If that’s the case, it’s time for you to take a step back. 

Talk to someone you trust or speak with a medical professional. Recognising the signs of dependence or addiction early can help you avoid serious health issues, protect your relationships, and take back control of your life and decisions before things spiral.

The Environmental Risk Factors of AUD

Even if you don’t have a genetic predisposition to alcoholism, your environment can still put you at risk for developing it. The way you were raised, the people you spend time with, and how you cope with stress influence your alcohol outcomes, sometimes without you even noticing. What feels normal today can quietly become a pattern that’s hard to break later.

These are a few of the environmental influences that can quietly raise your risk for developing AUD:

​According to the article Treatment of Co-Occurring PTSD and Substance Use Disorder in VA by Norman, Sonya, et al., published by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD (2023), 44.6% of individuals with lifetime PTSD also met criteria for an alcohol use disorder or [another] substance use disorder (SUD).

Am I at Risk of Becoming an Alcoholic?

If someone in your family struggles with alcohol, it’s natural for you to wonder if you’re also at risk. These thoughts can be disquieting at best. At worst, they may even drive you to chronic stress or panic. 

The good news is that having a family history doesn’t mean you’re destined to become an alcoholic. Plenty of people with a genetic predisposition live full, balanced lives without developing alcoholism. The key is to stay informed about the risks and stick to a healthy lifestyle to lower them.

Remember, science shows that about 50% of the risk for AUD comes from your DNA. The rest is entirely up to you. It’s shaped by your environment, your coping strategies, and the habits you build over time.

The good news is, there are practical steps you can take to protect yourself, even if AUD runs in your family. Here are some protective factors you can focus on to reduce your risk for alcohol use disorder:

You’re not powerless here. Knowing your risks gives you the chance to make different choices, break harmful patterns, and protect your health before problems start.

How to Know if You Have a Problem With Alcohol

If you’re worried about your drinking, we understand how hard it can be to face those doubts, but that concern matters, and you’re not overreacting.

The DSM-5 outlines specific criteria to help you identify AUD. If two or more of these signs sound familiar and have happened within the past year, it could mean that your relationship with alcohol is becoming a problem:

These behaviours may seem subtle, but they can be early warning signs that your brain and body are starting to physically and emotionally rely on alcohol to function.

If you’ve started to recognise signs of AUD or if you’ve already tried to quit drinking on your own and failed, it’s time to look for support. 

Support is out there, and getting help from a medical professional can make the process safer and more effective for you.

How The Cabin Can Help You Heal From The Disease of Alcoholism

Just because you have a genetic predisposition to alcohol use disorder doesn’t mean you’re destined to live your life in active addiction. 

Get help, and you too can beat addiction and live a fulfilling life alcohol-free. Even if we’re not the right fit, we’ll help you find someone who is. Contact us today for a free, confidential evaluation and support.