Genetics plays an essential role in influencing a person’s behavior and physical appearance. One of the traits that children inherit from their parents is the tendency to abuse alcohol. Moreover, being relatives with an alcoholic increases the chances of developing an addiction. Learning more about alcoholism from Oceanfront Recovery can help answer the question, “Is alcoholism genetic?”

Is Alcoholism Genetic?

Genetics accounts for about 50% of the cases of alcohol abuse in the world. This contribution can influence one to question whether alcoholism is genetic or hereditary. There is no specific gene that determines if you can become an alcoholic. Yet, some genetic factors may increase the chance of abusing alcohol. For instance, people who have a smaller part of the brain known as the amygdala are likely to abuse alcohol. This part controls behavior, desires, and emotions, such as fear and anger.

Genes also determine how the body reacts to alcohol consumption. For example, some drug users experience more desirable effects of alcohol compared to the adverse impacts. They may tend to consume a large amount of alcohol often and get addicted. Some genes can also predispose a person to mental health disorders such as depression. This increases the possibility of drinking to control symptoms such as stress.

Environmental Factors That May Lead to Alcoholism

Environmental factors have a close relationship with the genetic factors that impact whether alcoholism is genetic. In most cases, people who are prone to drinking start using the drug after specific triggers. For instance, early exposure to alcohol increases the risk of alcoholism. Children who lack enough parental guidance and supervision are also at risk. Besides, those who suffer abuse in their childhood might use alcohol to numb emotional pain. Associating with people who use alcohol can also influence problematic drinking behavior. Other factors that may lead to alcoholism are social media influence and poverty.

How to Avoid Alcoholism

A genetic predisposition to abuse alcohol may make it hard to prevent addiction. Yet, there are various ways in which a user can prevent abusing alcohol. For instance, learning about the signs of addiction helps in seeking alcohol addiction treatment. Adapting better ways of dealing with stress also helps to avoid alcohol abuse. Such tactics may include exercising, meditating, and attending therapy meetings. Another way to avoid abusing alcohol is through upholding healthy relationships. This includes hanging around people who do not influence others to drink.

Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety can lead to drug abuse. Obtaining treatment for these conditions helps one to control symptoms that may influence drinking. Some of the signs that may cause drug abuse are stress and sadness. Keeping track of the amount of alcohol you drink will also help prevent alcohol abuse.

Treatment for Alcoholism at Oceanfront Recovery

Abusing alcohol can affect your mental and physical health if you do not receive treatment. One of the key steps in the treatment of addiction is detox. This treatment may cause withdrawal effects that can be life-threatening. Institutions that offer medical detox can administer medication to ease these effects. Also, the physicians will attend to any complications that might occur in the process. Another benefit of professional treatment is that you will learn how to avoid triggers. Some of the programs designed to treat alcohol addiction are:

Seeking treatment for alcohol abuse can help you recover from alcoholism. At Oceanfront Recovery, we provide alcohol addiction treatment plans that attend to a client’s specific needs. Moreover, our programs include individual therapy, exercise, and psycho-education. These procedures reduce stress and help answer the question, “Is alcoholism genetic?” We also have a rehab aftercare program to equip you with ways to avoid relapse. Call Oceanfront Recovery today at 877.296.7477 to start your addiction treatment journey.