Text Size
Smaller
Bigger

Genetic link makes you 4X at more risk

answered 05:57 AM EST, Wed February 08, 2012
-- filed under: |
Both my mom and dad are alcoholics. I swore I would never drink alcohol or be like them but now that I am away from home and living with some friends I find that I enjoy a few beers every once and a while. I know that alcoholism is a genetic disease though so if my parents have it I will also probably get it. Is this true? Is it safe for me to drink alcohol occasionally?

Jennifer Hamilton Says...

Jennifer Hamilton J. Hamilton
LCSW, CADC

The answer is, it is playing with genetic fire. Your brain will likely LOVE the way alcohol makes you feel. This subjective experience of loving it will make you want to do more of it and more often. The safest thing to do is to not touch it. The next safest thing to do is to set a strict limit of two to three drinks for yourself, enough for a mild relaxation, and NEVER go over this. If you cannot seem to stick to the limit, abstain. You will be saving yourself. I wish someone had taught me this. I would now be able to enjoy a glass of wine with dinner on occasion. Now I abstain because I was a full blown alcoholic by age 18. Family history is a huge risk factor. Best wishes.

Subscribe Subscribe to this topic category

Page last updated Feb 08, 2012

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information.

Find Treatment
Browse by region »
Scan to call us
using your phone camera app