How Do Genetics Affect Alcoholic Tendencies?
Alcoholism is a complex, genetically influenced disorder. The way a person’s genetics affect their alcoholic tendencies is still unclear to scientists. But they do know that a person’s genetic makeup does play a large role. What is believed currently is that there is not one certain gene that is to blame. Most likely there are several of these genes. Individually they do not make much of an impact but combined they do. Genes affect both the intake and dependence while others affect only dependence.
Studies have shown that adopted children of alcoholic biological parents have an increased risk of becoming alcoholics. But there are other contributing factors towards alcoholism. The 5 most major influences are peer pressure, cultural influence, certain coexisting psychiatric conditions, availability and occupation.