Is alcoholism inherited or is the disease considered acquired? To answer these questions, you need to understand what it is and who falls into the risk group. Many citizens believe that illness is only a prejudice, an obsession. Is alcoholism inherited or not? This issue should be considered in more detail. Genetics have their own answers to such questions. What to expect from genetics? We will talk about this and not only further.
What is alcoholism?
There is no universal definition for this concept. In fact, an alcoholic is a person who is addicted to alcohol, showing a special physical desire to consume alcohol in large quantities. This entails the inability to control its consumption. Uncontrolled drinking of such drinks leads to addiction. This leads to an unhealthy lifestyle, personality degradation. Is alcoholism inherited, can the disease manifest itself at a certain stage in the life of the descendants of the alcoholic?
A dependent person has at least two of the four characteristics of the disease, namely:
- Craving for alcohol. As a rule, a person can and wants to drink alcohol from morning to night.
- Loss of control. An alcoholic cannot enjoy just one or two different types of drinks.
- Physical dependence. The brain and body become physically dependent on drinking.
- Tolerance. The development of alcohol tolerance means that it takes more effort to get the same effect. If at first you enjoy one glass of wine, then you want more to get the same “portion” of pleasure. Ironically, low sensitivity to the effects of drinks actually increases the risk that a person will become an alcoholic.
Anyone who regularly consumes such substances in excessive amounts can end up feeling mild, severe, or life-threatening side effects. Excessive consumption negatively affects many physical systems and functions, making a person vulnerable to certain types of cancer and more prone to accidental and intentional injuries.
Is alcoholism a hereditary disease or not? Opinion of narcologists
For the first time, a person decides to try a liquor not under the influence of genetic factors. Rather, it is influenced by the environment, social situations, friends and peers, family members and access to alcohol. As soon as a person first tried alcohol, he either rejects such drinks, or gradually gets used to them. Over time, addiction to alcohol can develop to the level of dependence. This is more related to genetics and "family history." If your paternal or maternal relatives have suffered from this disease, you can never drink alcohol, reducing the risk of developing the disease.
Like other chronic and complex diseases, this dependence is often caused by various factors, for example, the age when you started drinking, your mental health. It can also be influenced by social or cultural reasons, such as having a spouse who drinks a lot. The most important risk factor in predicting the disease is family genetics. Those who wonder whether alcoholism is inherited receive a clear answer. Yes it is. Alcoholism is transmitted from parents and older relatives.
How can alcoholism be transmitted?
Like abuse of any other narcotic drugs, drinking alcohol can lead to a long list of negative side effects and behavioral disorders, including such as:
- inability to limit alcohol consumption;
- anxiety;
- depression;
- suicidal thoughts;
- heart attack;
- high blood pressure;
- liver damage
- increased risk of cancer.
In addition, strong addiction leads to a fight against the consequences. Addiction affects the body so much that the brain also begins to crave alcohol to function normally. A sharp and fundamental independent refusal can lead to serious and sometimes fatal consequences. The following symptoms are observed:
- sweating;
- fever;
- nausea;
- obsession;
- insomnia.
Genetics helps to determine our traits, behavior and individual characteristics. Some of these traits are passed on from parents to their children. Genetics, combined with social and environmental factors, greatly affects the development of addiction. Many studies have been conducted showing that there are hereditary factors in the development of pathology. This is especially noticeable in children whose parents suffer from alcoholism. These studies show that adolescents from similar families are twice as likely as the general population to suffer from problems of this nature.
However, there is no specific alcohol gene in human DNA. Instead, there are behavioral genes that influence predisposition to illness, including mental illness. In addition, a different combination of chromosomes affects the level of alcohol consumption. Therefore, worried parents often worry whether alcoholism is transmitted to children if there were ancestors in the family who loved to drink above the norm. These questions are related to the genetic background. It is worth starting from that. Alcoholism can be considered a hereditary trait, but this does not mean that the child will necessarily show a strong interest in addiction.
People often wonder if alcoholism is a hereditary or genetic disease. It is important to know the difference, because the two terms do not coincide by definition. Genetics considers the composition of human DNA. Conditions for the development of pathology can be hereditary. In the genome there will always be a mutation that affects human behavior, the development of mental disorders. Common transmitted mental illnesses are autism, certain disorders (e.g., hyperactivity disorder with attention deficit), and depression. As far as alcoholism is concerned , genes are half responsible for cases of addiction.
Acquired Alcoholic Syndrome - Myth or Truth?
Those with alcoholics in the family have the highest risk of getting sick. But this does not doom a person to excessive drinking . External environmental factors are partially responsible for human choice. Alcohol is highly addictive. In addition, like many substances, people use alcohol for self-medication. It creates a feeling of happiness and freedom that people need in order to avoid financial problems, stress, family scandals and other disappointments. Drinking alcohol is also a social activity, perceived as a way to "fit" into the company. Most often this is manifested among minors. This can ultimately lead to addiction.
On the other hand, hereditary predisposition can be suppressed through preventive measures. To prevent the possibility of becoming addicted, consider the following factors:
- Know the diseases of your ancestors. If your family is more susceptible to alcoholism, it is important to know your risks.
- Avoid drinking alcohol when you are young. This is not only illegal, but also increases the likelihood of irresponsible drinking in adulthood.
- Consult a specialist for advice. If you are struggling with addiction and are afraid to break loose, it is recommended to seek help.
- Monitoring social circles. Surround yourself with like-minded people. If you don’t like to drink, chat with people who feel the same way you do.
Know the symptoms of the primary problem. Remember your behavior, do not abuse it and think about the consequences.
Who is the problem more often?
To accurately answer the question of who is most affected by addiction, men or women, you need to turn to statistics. Hereditary alcoholism in men is associated only with predisposition. Also, if a man often drinks, gets into a bad company, the chances increase. A woman can become dependent only on genetic factors - on heredity.
The manifestation of alcoholism among men
To understand whether you are sick or not, a number of studies that can be done at home will help. The main thing is to truthfully answer all your questions. Hereditary alcoholism is recognized as acquired. The latter is diagnosed if a person never drank, but began to take alcohol due to life's difficulties. They will be only an impetus for the "launch" of genetic factors. Here are some of the most common signs of addiction noted by close friends and family members of the alcoholic:
- Sufferers feel shame and guilt for their habits.
- They tend to forget what they do or say when they consume alcohol.
- They constantly lie about the amount of alcohol consumed.
- They need it for peace of mind.
People suffering from alcohol abuse do not fulfill their personal and official duties. They drink in such large quantities that they can cause physical harm to themselves. Such a picture can ultimately lead to severe addiction. Alcoholic need is a chronic disease. Unfortunately, it is not treated in any way.
Is female alcoholism a disease or a habit?
Unfortunately, among girls - this is a disease that is very difficult to treat. Is alcoholism inherited from a parent to a woman? Yes, mainly from the father, who transfers 50% of the genetic information to his daughter. Predisposition helps the problem manifest. Genetic factors can sometimes remain hidden.
A woman can drink as much as she wants, but, unlike a man, her body does not get used to it. She is not able to get the pleasure of the same amount of alcohol. By increasing the amount and frequency of consumption, the girl only threatens herself and her body with intoxication.
How does a woman become addicted?
If there is a genetic hereditary predisposition, then a woman can become an alcoholic. This may be preceded by some factors related to psychological characteristics. Even if a woman is wealthy, brings up children, self-sufficient, she can become addicted to alcohol.
A habit will turn into a disease only if genetic factors are present. Another woman can easily give up drinking at any time. Alcoholism is inherited on the paternal side to the daughter, and maternally to the son. You should also consider the syndrome of the carrier of genetic cells: if the grandmother was addicted, then the paternal granddaughter will also have a predisposition.
How to cure addiction?
There are several treatment options - permanent and temporary. The first involves a systematic visit to a narcologist who will keep records and monitor the patient. Temporary treatment is required to restore the body after intoxication and coding. Alcoholism is inherited, but not treated permanently. To get rid of addiction, constant tight control of the amount of alcohol is required.
Is alcoholism inherited from the father or from the mother: who is guilty?
When parents begin to blame each other for the perniciousness of genetics, the question arises of who is the “vector” of the disease. Is alcoholism inherited from father to son? No, a son can inherit a habit from his mother. But the daughter is more at risk. A mother can transfer “addiction” genetic cells from her father to her daughter, but not to her son.
Inpatient treatment for alcoholism
In a narcological dispensary, patients are registered and consulted with a psychiatrist daily. Psychological support is also provided. Instead of alcohol, medications are prescribed as prescribed by the doctor to reduce the need for alcohol. The maladaptive state, psychopathology are studied, the dynamics of recovery is diagnosed.
With intoxication, glucose and an antihistamine are administered intravenously to improve the patient's condition. Primary care cannot be final.
Outpatient treatment for alcohol addicts
At home, people often use herbal infusions that help cleanse the blood. For 2-3 weeks you can not drink alcohol. Additionally, a homeopathic medicine, blockers, selective inhibitors and antidepressants are prescribed.
Prevention and protection of children from a bad habit
We have already found out whether alcoholism is genetically transmitted. Now you need to understand how to protect children from this. First of all, a teenager’s company and emotional state are important components of his normal development. Adults are an example to follow. You should not drink alcohol with a child if the father or one of the older parents had an illness. Children should understand that alcohol is harm, not a platform for growing up.