When it comes to alcoholism, one of the most common questions we hear is: Is it genetic—or even hereditary?
It’s a fair question—especially if you’ve watched a parent, sibling, or grandparent struggle with alcohol. You might wonder, Am I doomed to repeat the same patterns? Or maybe you’re deep in your own battle with alcohol and starting to connect the dots backward through your family tree.
At Jaywalker, a rehab for men in Colorado, we’ve worked with thousands of men who’ve asked the same thing. The answer isn’t black-and-white. But here’s what we can say with confidence:
Yes, there’s a genetic component to alcoholism. But no, it’s not destiny.
Let’s break it down—so you can understand the science, the risk, and most importantly, what you can do about it.
What Does It Mean for Something to Be “Genetic”?
When we say something is genetic, we’re talking about inherited traits—pieces of your DNA passed down from your parents. These traits can influence everything from eye color to height to disease risk.
But here’s the key: genetics aren’t the only factor. Your environment, experiences, and choices all interact with your genes. That’s especially true with addiction.
So while you might inherit a higher risk for alcoholism, that doesn’t mean it’s inevitable. And if you don’t have a family history? That doesn’t make you immune, either.
Alcoholism and Genetics: What the Research Shows
1. Family History and Risk
Multiple studies show that having a parent or close relative with alcohol use disorder (AUD) doubles your risk of developing the condition yourself. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), genetics account for about 50–60% of the risk for alcoholism.
That’s a big deal. But remember—it still means 40–50% is environmental, behavioral, and situational.
Source: NIAAA – Alcohol Use Disorder: A Comparison Between DSM–IV and DSM–5
2. Specific Genes Involved in Alcoholism
Researchers have identified dozens of genes linked to alcohol dependence. Some of the most studied include:
- ADH1B and ALDH2: These influence how your body processes alcohol. Variants of these genes can make drinking uncomfortable (flushing, nausea), lowering the risk of heavy use.
- GABRA2: Linked to how alcohol affects the brain’s GABA system—this may influence anxiety and the “calming” effects of drinking.
- DRD2: Related to dopamine receptors. Some variations may make people more prone to seeking rewards—including the high that comes from alcohol.
Still, there’s no single “alcoholism gene”. It’s a combination of multiple genes interacting with each other and with your environment.
Source: NIH – Genetics and alcoholism
Nature vs. Nurture: It’s Both
The debate continues: Is alcoholism genetic, hereditary, or caused by life experiences?
The answer is—both.
If you grew up in a home where alcohol abuse was common, you might have picked up certain behaviors and coping strategies. Maybe alcohol was modeled as the main way to deal with stress. Maybe it was always available. Maybe boundaries were blurred, or trauma was present.
Those environmental influences combine with your hereditary predisposition to increase your likelihood of struggling with alcohol.
That’s why two siblings can grow up in the same household, but only one develops alcoholism. And it’s why someone with no hereditary history can still fall into a dangerous pattern after trauma, grief, or stress.
Signs You Might Have a Genetic Risk
- You have multiple relatives with a history of alcoholism or substance abuse
- You started drinking at an early age (especially before 15)
- You notice it’s harder for you to stop once you start
- Alcohol feels like a “solution” to anxiety, stress, or sadness
- You’ve experienced blackouts or memory loss from drinking
- You’ve developed a tolerance quickly, needing more alcohol to feel the same effects
Can You Prevent Alcoholism If It’s in Your Genes?
Here’s the good news: genetics are not fate. You can’t change your DNA, but you can absolutely change your path.
Here are a few things that help:
If alcohol has been a go-to stress reliever in your family, finding healthier outlets is key. That might mean:
- Therapy
- Exercise
- Meditation
- Journaling
- Talking openly about emotions
The Role of Trauma and Mental Health
Let’s talk about something that often goes hand-in-hand with alcoholism: unresolved trauma and mental health issues.
Even with genetic risk, many men don’t develop alcoholism unless there’s an emotional trigger. That might include:
Sometimes, drinking starts as a way to numb the pain or anxiety. But over time, it creates a whole new set of problems.
That’s why treatment for alcoholism can’t just focus on the drinking. At Jaywalker, we dig into the why—the emotional roots, the old wounds, the shame or fear underneath.
What If You’re Already Struggling with Alcohol?
If you’ve read this far and thought, “This sounds like me”—you’re not alone.
The truth is, many of the guys who come to Jaywalker have a family history of alcoholism. Some swore they’d never end up like their dad… until they did. Others never thought it could happen to them.
But here’s what we’ve seen over and over again:
You can break the cycle.
We’ve watched men do it every single day—men who once felt hopeless, ashamed, and stuck. Men who carried the weight of generations of addiction, but decided to be the one who changed the story.
You don’t need to figure it out on your own.
What Recovery Looks Like at Jaywalker
At Jaywalker, we offer a 90-day residential program in Carbondale, Colorado, designed for men who are serious about lasting recovery. Whether alcoholism runs in your family or not, we give you the tools to rebuild your life.
Here’s what makes our program different:
Breaking the Generational Cycle
Alcoholism can feel like a family curse. But the truth is, you have the power to stop it.
When you do the work of recovery, you’re not just helping yourself—you’re changing the future for your kids, your family, and everyone you love.
You get to be the one who says: It stops here.
Ready to Reclaim Your Life?
Whether alcoholism runs in your family or you’re the first to face it—you can recover.
At Jaywalker, we specialize in helping men build meaningful, sober lives. We don’t do quick fixes or cookie-cutter programs. We do the real work—alongside a brotherhood of guys who’ve been there.
If you’re ready to change your story, we’re here to walk with you.
FAQ: Is Alcoholism Genetic?
1. What percentage of alcoholism is genetic?
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, genetics account for 50–60% of the risk for developing alcoholism. The rest comes from environmental, psychological, and lifestyle factors.
2. If my parent was an alcoholic, will I be too?
3. Can I get tested for genes related to alcoholism?
4. What if I have no family history but still struggle with drinking?
5. Can treatment still work if alcoholism is in my genes?
