Is Alcoholism Genetic?

When seeking to understand the causes of alcoholism, you may ask is alcoholism genetic? There is a strong possibility that a person can be predisposed to alcoholism if they have close family members who are alcoholics. But it is impossible to pinpoint genetics as the cause of alcoholism. There are other factors, including personal, social and environmental, that also come into play. For many sufferers alcoholism was caused by a number of different things, not just one particular thing like genetics.

The most important thing to remember if you have alcoholic parents, grandparents or siblings is that this does not mean you have to be an alcoholic, too. Because many people with that genetic predisposition have the attitude of 'oh well, I'm doomed, might as well have a drink,' and that's when the trouble begins for them. A strong commitment to sobriety is required for someone with risk factors to avoid becoming an alcoholic. The best way is just never to start in the first place. However if you are an alcoholic currently, there are ways you can be treated.

For example, your doctor can prescribe medication for you called Antabuse that causes adverse reactions when mixed with alcohol. In other words, you'll feel like you have the flu if you drink when on this medication. There is another medication getting attention lately called Topiramate, which is a prescription drug that may reduce cravings for alcohol and can be started even before alcohol cessation has begun.

There are also many rehabilitation facilities for alcoholics that offer both inpatient and outpatient therapy. Inpatient treatment usually takes at least 30 days, and involves intensive counseling. Treatment with medication may also be used if necessary. Outpatient treatment can be as often as once every day or as little as once a week. This may also include talk therapy, and medication if needed. Even if you seek inpatient or outpatient treatment, your primary care doctor should be kept in the loop as to what is going on.

If you are worried about the alcoholism genetic link, talk to your doctor. They can educate you more on the subject and point you towards resources that may be of assistance. Whether you are just curious or think you may have a drinking problem, don't be shy. Many alcoholics never seek help, often because they feel ashamed. Don't let this happen to you or a loved one, as there is no shame in seeking help for the disease of alcoholism.

 

 

Alcoholism Treatment News:

 

Alcoholics Anonymous has daily meetings here - Ridgefield Press

Alcoholics Anonymous has daily meetings here
Ridgefield Press
Alcoholics Anonymous, the self-help group, has meetings every day of the week in Ridgefield. EURœTired of waking up with a hangover and wondering what you did last night?EUR said a local AA leader. EURœCome to an AA meeting here in Ridgefield.

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Upcoming health and wellness events - Detroit Free Press

Upcoming health and wellness events
Detroit Free Press
Alcoholics Anonymous: Open meeting at main dining room. 7-8 pm today and Feb. 12. Chelsea Community Hospital, White Oak Center, 775 S. Main, Chelsea. 734-475-6051. Metabolic Nutrition and Weight Management seminar: Physician-directed seminars for .

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Minimum alcohol price across island planned to tackle abuse
HEALTH AUTHORITIES on both sides of the Border are planning to introduce a minimum price for alcohol on the island in an effort to combat alcohol abuse...


Residents polled about alcohol
FREMONT -- An alliance of community leaders taking aim at local youth drug and alcohol abuse is seeking input from Sandusky County residents...


Today, Feb. 5 - Juneau Empire

Today, Feb. 5
Juneau Empire
Adult Children of Alcoholic or Dysfunctional Families and Codependents Anonymous meeting, 11 am-12:15 pm every Sunday, Assembly Chambers, across from Marine Park. Details: 789-0965. Duplicate bridge, 1-4 pm, Juneau Senior Center.

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Myths and facts help teens understand underage alcohol abuse
Throughout the day, teens come across many venues that promote alcohol. There are television shows that make it fun, movies that make it sophisticated and music that endorses it, but at the end of..


Cops Mix Booze, Policing In Silence
A Team 5 Investigation found police officers all over Massachusetts fighting crime while also fighting their own alcohol abuse...


02/04-05/12 online Saturday-Sunday calendar - Yakima Herald-Republic

02/04-05/12 online Saturday-Sunday calendar
Yakima Herald-Republic
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS -- For today's meeting times and locations, call 509-453-7680. AA local office location is 518-A 20th Avenue near Englewood, Yakima; or visit www.YakimaAA.com. FREE PANCAKE BREAKFAST -- 8:30-10 am at Sun Valley Church, .

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Group wants to tax spirits to fight alcohol abuse
TUCSON - An organization called Pennies for Prevention wants to increase alcohol taxes to pay for programs that fight alcohol abuse. In their application to the Secretary of State, supporters say underage drinking costs Arizona $1.3 billion a year...


Calendar of events - The Daily News Journal

Calendar of events
The Daily News Journal
Unity Group of Alcoholics Anonymous meeting: 6 pm (two meetings at same time: one for men, one for women), every Sunday, Integrity House treatment center, 2316 Armory Drive, Murfreesboro. For more info, call AA Central office, 615-831-1050.

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AA friend's death rocks Demi - Adelaide Now

Telegraph.co.uk

AA friend's death rocks Demi
Adelaide Now
DEMI Moore's despair over the death of the friend who supported her at Alcoholics Anonymous may have led to her collapse this week, it was claimed yesterday. The troubled actress was overcome with grief when she attended the funeral of Patsy Rugg, 70, .
WRECK of the Week: Demi Does Whip-its?Quinnipiac Chronicle
SPECIAL INVESTIGATION: DEMI MOORE EUR THE UNTOLD STORYThe National Enquirer

all 588 news articles »
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Downtoearthvideo.com Releases Their Alcohol Abuse Statistics Report for 2011
Downtoearthvideo.com releases their alcohol abuse statistics report for 2011. The news has been welcomed on the site.Houston, TX (PRWEB) January 25, 2012 Downtoearthvideo.com has just released their alcohol abuse statistics report for 2011 for their readers. People can now check out the report in detail on the site. Simon Corvan, one of the Directors at Downtoearthvideo.com said that, EURœbefore we ...


Local events for Sunday, Feb. 5 - Corning Leader

Local events for Sunday, Feb. 5
Corning Leader
Alcoholics Anonymous EURœCheerios GroupEUR | 10-11 am, Dayspring I, Columbia Street, Corning. Open discussion meeting. Alcoholics Anonymous EURœBig BookEUR | 7:30 pm, Corning Hospital doctor's lounge, 176 Denison Parkway, Corning. Open meeting.

and more »
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Raise tax on Arizona alcohol sales, group proposes
Supporters say the extra money is needed to pay for programs that fight alcohol abuse...


Group Wants Higher Taxes on Alcohol
Supporters of a higher tax on alcohol say it's needed to pay for programs that fight alcohol abuse...



 

 

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