My papa was diagnosed with alcoholism. Do I have a higher risk of becoming an alcoholic than others who don’t have alcoholism that runs in their family?

Ever since my mom told me that my Papa was an alcoholic, I have always had many, many questions about it. The question that continues to pop up is, is alcoholism hereditary? My mom has always warned my sister, brother and I about watching our alcohol intake because alcoholism ran in the family and she did not want us to turn out like Papa at all because she knows how horrible of a disease it is.

In this study, the researches studied endorphin levels, specifically the low beta-endorphin levels in chronic alcohol abusers. “According to José Rico Irles, lecturer of Medicine of the UGR, and head of the research group, this low beta-endorphin level determines whether someone may become an alcoholic.” They also explain that when a subjects’ brain with low beta-endorphin levels gets used to surplus and when its own production stops, a dependence starts on the external source which is alcohol.

I found this article that talks about a study done at the University of Granada. It is quoted, “Thanks to this study, researchers have shown that the lack of endorphin is hereditary, and thus that there is a genetic predisposition to become addicted to alcohol.” I know this is only one study but this is significant information to me. It has finally given me some answers and now I can also share this with my family.

By: Jennifer L.M.

Reference:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/75738.php