Is Alcohol Use Disorder Genetic?

There are many factors that go into the development of an alcohol use disorder: one of these can be genetics. Individuals with a genetic history of addiction are considered at a greater risk of developing an addiction. 

At Findlay Recovery, that doesn’t worry us. We’ll help anyone tackle addiction through our affordable treatment programs. Our expertly trained medical staff work with clients to develop a treatment program based on their specific needs. This personalization and individualization helps clients find a path to sobriety that works for them and meets their needs. By choosing treatment, our clients have already taken the first step to battling addiction.

Are you ready to make a change?Is alcoholism a Genetic Disorder

Signs of Alcoholism

Alcoholism is defined as a pervasive, chronic, and relapsing disorder. Diagnosable as an Alcohol Use Disorder, this mental health disorder impacts individuals in multiple aspects of their lives, impacts their mental health and ability to stop using, and causes relapses in behavior and use, even after extended bouts of sobriety. When an individual is an alcoholic, there will be several signs that you can look out for. Alcohol misuse, personal impact, and social impact are the most noticeable signs of alcoholism.

Alcohol misuse occurs when an individual drinks too much or too quickly for their body type (binge drinking), drinking alcohol illegally (underaged drinking or drinking illegal alcohol), or individuals misuse alcohol by drinking while also taking substances that shouldn’t be mixed. All three of these types of misuse can lead to addiction. They are also some of the most common factors that lead to injury and even death. Individuals that misuse alcohol have chosen an irresponsible action, and by adding alcohol into the mix, individuals may act even more irresponsibly. 

The next sign of alcoholism that you may notice is the personal impact it has on a person. An individual who is struggling with alcoholism will experience additional problems within their relationship; their personality may have noticeable changes, as well as their mood and other personal hygiene changes. 

Finally, you may notice that alcohol has a significant social impact on the individual who is addicted. Alcoholism is considered pervasive and may impact an individual’s home, work, school, and social life. They may spend a significant amount of time thinking about drinking, how to obtain alcohol, or recovering from drinking. This can lead to lapses in responsibility and judgment, causing even more problems. 

What Causes Alcoholism?

While alcoholism doesn’t have one specific cause, several factors can lead to alcoholism. Individuals who misuse alcohol have an increased likelihood of developing an addiction to alcohol. Misuse can lead to tolerance and dependence, making it harder for an individual to make a change and stop drinking. When an individual drinks alcohol in an unsafe manner, drinking in excess, or mixing alcohol with other drugs, their risk of injury, death, injury to another, and the development of addiction increases.

Additionally, multiple studies have shown that environmental and genetic factors can play into the development of alcoholism in teens and adults.

Is Alcoholism Genetic?

While alcoholism is not specifically genetic, genetics and environment can play a large part in the development of addiction. Individuals are scientifically more likely to develop an addiction if their parents experience addiction. Similarly, individuals are more likely to develop an addiction if they are exposed to misuse at an early age. Environment and genetics can play a significant role in the development of addiction, but it is not the only factor that matters.

Find Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Ohio

Findlay Recovery Center is an affordable treatment designed to support you through every step of the treatment process. Our comprehensive treatment programs are designed with clients in mind. We combine the best and most effective addiction treatments designed for holistic healing and complete support. 

Our addiction treatment programs are designed to include detoxification, inpatient treatment, and aftercare. We utilize traditional treatments alongside alternative therapies to provide clients with multiple paths to success. Our clients are supported through alumni aftercare programs and other supportive structures to help them maintain the sobriety they work so hard to obtain.
Contact us to see how our affordable treatment can support you today.

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