Twin studies show that 70% of women and 50% of men can go their own way, even if they share identical genes and struggle with alcoholism. Recent research from Indiana University has shed light on the significant role genes play in the development of alcohol use disorders (AUDs). The study, led by Feng Zhou, Ph.D., professor emeritus of anatomy, cell biology, and physiology at IU School of Medicine, discovered that altering a group of genes known to influence neuronal plasticity and pain perceptions is linked to AUDs. Their studies have shown that genes like ADH1B and ALDH2 are crucial in alcohol metabolism, with specific variants more prevalent in the Asian population.

The absorption of the molecule is influenced by many factors, including age, gender, metabolism, and body weight. Biotransformation of ethanol is predominantly carried out by its oxidation into acetaldehyde, which is the main pathway. The process utilizes nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), and is achieved primarily by alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), which is mainly expressed by the cells of the liver and gastrointestinal tract.

Learn more about the genes associated with Alcohol use disorder

Stress, associating with others who abuse alcohol, and having easy access to alcohol also contribute to a person’s risk. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), a person’s genetic makeup accounts for roughly half of their risk for developing an AUD. The World Health Organization estimates that harmful alcohol use accounts for 5.1% of the global burden of disease and injury worldwide, and results in three million deaths each year.

This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

Alcohol metabolism and the risk for AUD

Alcohol use disorder does not have a clear pattern of inheritance, although many affected individuals have a family history of problems with alcohol or other substances. Children of people with alcohol use disorder are two to six times more likely than the general public to develop alcohol problems. This increased risk is likely Genetics of Alcoholism due in part to shared genetic factors, but it may also be related to environment, lifestyle, and other nongenetic influences that are shared by members of a family. Genetics and family history are the most correlated with risk of AUD; in fact, genetic risk is about half of the problem, while family history is the other half.

The new findings are important for understanding which populations are most likely to suffer from medical conditions resulting from alcohol abuse, and contribute to a growing body of literature on health disparities that stem from socioeconomic factors. The researchers recommend that individuals with lower income https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/alcohol-and-aging-does-alcohol-make-you-look-older/ or education levels might warrant additional screening by clinicians to evaluate their alcohol consumption and identify related conditions. Anecdotal evidence shows that alcohol misuse can result from genetic factors. Today, studies have shown that genes could predispose a person to alcohol dependence.

Alcohol metabolism-related genes

As one 2015 article in Nature points out, researchers have not been able to identify a single gene that determines whether or not you develop an addiction. Alcohol use disorder is a pattern of alcohol use that involves problems controlling your drinking, being preoccupied with alcohol or continuing to use alcohol even when it causes problems. This disorder also involves having to drink more to get the same effect or having withdrawal symptoms when you rapidly decrease or stop drinking. Alcohol use disorder includes a level of drinking that’s sometimes called alcoholism. Having a close family relative, such as a parent, can account for up to 60% of your risk of developing AUD. Your genetics don’t only increase your risk of AUD — they may have protective elements as well.

Data suggests that individuals hailing from families with an annual household income surpassing $75,000 face a higher susceptibility to becoming an alcoholic in comparison to their counterparts from economically modest backgrounds. Can children inherit genetic materials from their parents that increase their vulnerability to alcohol? Notably, genes related to pain sensation collaborated with neural channel and excitation genes, vital for neuroscience communication. The study highlighted genes with silent mutations affecting alcohol use and emphasized the significance of studying gene groups over individual genes. Substance abuse treatment usually involves a comprehensive approach that combines medical and psychosocial interventions. While alcohol addiction isn’t entirely preventable, specific measures can reduce its risk.

The Intersection of Psychiatry and Genetics in Alcoholism

In this way, externalizing risk is not specific to alcohol or any other drug; it elevates risk for all forms of substance use and for other behavioral addictions too. Externalizing is so-called because it reflects how our brains influence the way we interact with the external world. You may be more likely to develop this condition if you have a history of the condition in your family. Alcohol use disorder used to be referred to as alcoholism, alcohol addiction, or alcohol abuse.