The Science Behind Alcoholism: Genetics, Biology & More

Key Takeaways

• Alcoholism, also known as alcohol dependence or alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a medically recognized disease that can cause a variety of health problems.
• A variety of factors can contribute to AUD, including the way alcohol alters brain chemistry, genetics, environmental factors, and epigenetics. 
• AUD often triggers a number of changes in brain chemistry, altering the way neurotransmitters function and altering the reward system of the brain. 
• Genetics play a significant role in alcoholism, with certain genes affecting alcohol metabolism and brain response, contributing to the risk of developing AUD.
• Environmental factors, including peer pressure, societal norms, and stress, significantly impact alcohol consumption behaviors and the risk of alcoholism.
• The environment can further influence the development of AUD by changing the ways our genes are expressed – an area of study known as epigenetics. 
• Comprehensive treatment strategies for alcoholism recovery include medication-assisted treatment (MAT), therapy, and community support to address the multifaceted nature of the disease.

Alcohol Use Disorder: The Basics

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. 

It encompasses a range of drinking problems, from mild to severe, and is diagnosed when a patient meets certain criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

AUD can have wide-ranging effects on physical health, mental well-being, relationships, and overall quality of life. It is associated with numerous health issues, such as liver disease, cardiovascular problems, mental health disorders, and an increased risk of accidents and injuries.

Excessive alcohol consumption can alter an individual’s brain chemistry, setting the stage for addiction. Additionally, things like genetics, psychological factors, environmental influences, and the presence of co-occurring mental health disorders can also play a role in the disorder’s development. 

Brain Chemistry & Alcohol Use Disorder

The relationship between alcohol and the brain is complex and multifaceted, with alcohol consumption affecting various neurobiological processes. Perhaps most importantly, alcohol affects neurotransmitter systems crucial for communication within the brain. 

Three of the most important neurotransmitter systems that are affected by alcohol include: 

1. Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) System: Alcohol enhances GABA transmission, which has an inhibitory effect on the brain, leading to the characteristic depressive effects of alcohol consumption. 
2. Serotonin: This neurotransmitter, which plays a role in mood and anxiety, also interacts with alcohol. Variations in the serotonin transporter genes can influence individual responses to alcohol and may interact with environmental factors to precipitate depression. 
3. Dopamine: Alcohol consumption leads to the release of dopamine, which creates feelings of enjoyment and encourages repeated use. But over time, alcohol can deplete dopamine levels, leading individuals to crave more alcohol in an effort to regain the pleasurable sensations once easily achieved.

The influence of alcohol on neurotransmitter systems is a critical factor in the addictive properties of alcohol and its pervasive effects on the central nervous system.

Genetic Predispositions to Alcohol Use Disorder

Recent scientific endeavors have significantly advanced our understanding of genetic predisposition to alcoholism. A few of the most noteworthy findings include: 

• A comprehensive study from medRxiv highlights 17 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that are significant in genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of problematic alcohol use.  
• A study published by PMC observes the high heritability of alcohol use disorder (AUD), pinpointing a significant SNP (rs1229984) in the ADH1B gene that correlates with the maximum number of alcoholic drinks consumed in a 24-hour period.  
• Research published in Nature Communications further supports these findings, providing a comprehensive list of genes and their potential influence on alcohol consumption and susceptibility to alcohol use disorders.
• A study co-led by Penn State researchers and highlighted on ScienceDaily identified over 2,300 genes predicting alcohol and tobacco use across 3.4 million individuals.  

Understanding the genetic underpinnings of alcoholism is not only crucial for recognizing at-risk individuals but also for developing targeted interventions and therapies.  

Environmental Influences on Alcohol Use Disorder

Environmental influences can also play a crucial role in the development of AUD. A few of the environmental factors that are most commonly linked with the disorder include:

• Social and Cultural Norms: Societies that have a permissive attitude towards drinking or where alcohol use is a central part of social activities may contribute to higher rates of AUD.
• Peer Pressure: Social circles and peer groups that encourage or normalize heavy drinking can influence individuals to consume more alcohol.
• Media and Advertising: Exposure to alcohol advertising and portrayal of drinking in media as glamorous or a way to relax can shape attitudes and behaviors towards alcohol.
• Parental Influence: Children of parents who abuse alcohol are at a higher risk of developing AUD due to genetic factors and learned behaviors.
• Family Dynamics: Dysfunctional family relationships, lack of parental supervision, or family conflict can increase the risk of AUD.
• Modeling Behavior: Seeing family members or caregivers using alcohol to cope with stress can lead individuals to adopt similar behaviors.
• Poverty and Unemployment: Financial stress and lack of economic opportunities can lead to higher rates of alcohol use as a coping mechanism.
• Chronic Stress: Ongoing stress from various sources such as work, relationships, or health issues can lead to increased alcohol use as a way to manage stress.
• Traumatic Experiences: Individuals who have experienced trauma, such as abuse, violence, or significant loss, are more likely to develop AUD.
• Community Norms: Community attitudes towards drinking and local policies on alcohol use can influence drinking behaviors.
• Social Isolation: Lack of community support and social isolation can lead individuals to use alcohol to cope with loneliness.
• Job Stress: High-stress jobs or those with poor work-life balance can lead to increased alcohol use as a coping mechanism.

Epigenetics and Alcohol Use Disorder

It is interesting to note that while genetics and the environment can both play a role in the development of AUD in themselves, they can also work in combination – a field of research called epigenetics. 

Epigenetics is a rapidly evolving field that examines how environmental factors can modify the expression of genes without altering the DNA sequence itself. In the context of alcohol use disorder (AUD), epigenetic mechanisms have been identified as a significant area of research. 

Recent studies highlight the complex interaction between genetic factors and environmental exposures, such as stress and trauma, which can affect the regulation of genes associated with AUD. 

For example, alcohol has been shown to modulate the epigenome through various effects on:

• DNA methylation
• Histone modifications
• Non-coding RNAs 

Furthermore, epigenetic modifications, including aberrant glucocorticoid signaling pathway gene regulation, have been identified in individuals with AUD. 

The interplay between our genetic blueprint and epigenetic changes provides a deeper understanding of the biological underpinnings of alcoholism.  

Treatment Strategies for Alcoholism Recovery

The journey to recovery from alcoholism is multifaceted, incorporating various treatment methods to address the physical, psychological, and social aspects of the disease. 

Medication-Assisted Treatment for Alcoholism

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for alcoholism integrates pharmacological and behavioral approaches to treat substance use disorders. 

MAT is designed to normalize brain chemistry, block the euphoric effects of alcohol, relieve physiological cravings, and stabilize body functions without the negative effects of the abused substance. 

MAT is increasingly being recognized as the gold standard in treating AUD. MAT addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of alcohol dependence, helping patients regain a stable state of mind and avoid alcohol-induced highs and lows.

Medications commonly used in MAT for alcoholism function in various ways, such as inhibiting the absorption of alcohol, mitigating withdrawal symptoms, and altering the reward pathways in the brain. The role of these medications is crucial in helping individuals reduce alcohol consumption or maintain abstinence..

Therapeutic and Community Support in Alcohol Recovery

Engaging in therapy and support groups plays a vital role in the journey towards recovery from alcoholism. Therapy provides a structured environment for individuals to address the underlying psychological aspects of addiction, while support groups offer a community-based platform for shared experiences and mutual aid. 

Combining professional counseling with the solidarity found in support groups can significantly bolster an individual’s ability to maintain sobriety and build a sustainable recovery lifestyle.

Ultimately, therapy and support groups are instrumental in creating a holistic recovery process, addressing both the clinical and social dimensions of alcoholism. They provide individuals with the tools and community support necessary to navigate the complexities of recovery and maintain long-term sobriety.

Find Compassionate Care for Alcohol Addiction Now

Understanding what makes someone addicted to alcohol can be the first step in helping a person seek treatment. 

Depending on how bad their alcohol misuse has been or if medically-assisted alcohol detox will be needed for withdrawal symptoms, entering a treatment center may be a necessary option. Healthcare professionals can assist in the difficult process of withdrawal, making the transition into sobriety less daunting.

Alcohol misuse treatment programs teach people how to move into an alcohol-free lifestyle while teaching them healthy coping strategies. They can simultaneously help treat any co-occurring mental health issues. Contact The Recovery Village Palmer Lake if you have questions about treatment or if you’re ready to get on the path to recovery and end your addiction to alcohol.