Tell Me More About Alcohol Dependence.
7. Can you inherit Alcohol Dependence?
Research shows that the risk for developing Alcohol Dependence runs in families. The genes a person inherits partially explain this pattern, but lifestyle is also a factor. Currently, researchers are working to discover the actual genes that put people at risk for alcoholism. The friends you keep, the amount of stress in your life, and the availability of alcohol are factors that may increase your risk for Alcohol Dependence.
Risk is not destiny. Most children of alcoholic parents do not become alcoholics. Some people develop alcoholism even though no one in their family has a drinking problem. Knowing you are at risk is important, because then you can take steps to protect yourself from developing alcohol problems.
Reference:
"A Family History of Alcoholism. Are You at Risk?" U.S. Dept of Health and Human Resources, National Institute of Health, Publication No 03–5340, Printed February 2003.
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