Medical Issues

Alcoholism may have strong links to a person’s genetics.  For instance, research has shown that the body’s enzyme that metabolize alcohol may be influenced by genetic factors.  Other research has shown that there are two type of genetic predisposition to alcoholism.  Type I is found mostly in males, that have a tendency to get in trouble, and fights.  Type II can be found in male or females and is triggered by stressful events.  All of these genetic factors do not guarantee that someone will become an alcoholic, they simple increase their risk factors.  Additionally, genetics can affect risk factors for alcoholism as shown by the CSF Family Alcoholism Study which states, “20-25% of sons and brothers of alcoholics become alcoholics” and “5% of daughters and sisters of alcoholics become alcoholics”.  Alcoholics are also six times more likely than nonalcoholics to report a positive family history of alcoholism.  These are the current arguments supporting the idea that genetic factors can influence the risk factors for developing alcoholism.