Born to Drink? – Genetics Are a Heads Up, NOT an Excuse

Multiple research studies have shown connections between the genes you are born with and the chance you may have for becoming an alcoholic.  Other studies show that environment and genetics together can be an even more damaging combo when it comes to abusing alcohol.

But does this mean there aren’t choices?  This is truly a case of knowledge being powerful.  Dr. Enoch Gordis, director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) stresses that “these genes are for risk, not for destiny.”

By having an understanding of what may be lurking in our cells and in our families we can create support systems and tools to control and avoid alcohol problems, particularly in our children.

For active alcoholics, these research studies are important pathways to the development of interventional and pharmaceutical treatments for the disease of alcoholism.