Alcoholism can be hereditary, study finds

Scientists have discovered that heredity is behind the subjective effect of alcohol on certain people.

The study, published in the scientific journal Alcohol: Clinical & Experimental Research, suggested that although it has long been accepted that people with close relatives that have alcohol problems run a greater risk of starting to abuse the substance, little has been known as to why.

However, the team of scientists from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden have now found a hereditary link.

They discovered that of the 34 men and 17 women observed as part of the study, the participants with family members with type I alcoholism described a more positive and simulating effect from drinking alcohol, compared to the control group.

"Each person's individual experience of alcohol is an important tool in understanding why certain people develop alcoholism and it may be a marker in itself for how an individual's alcohol consumption may develop," explained Anna Soderpalm-Gordh, scientist at the Sahlgrenska Academy.

She added that the study means children of parents with type I alcoholism may be in the danger zone for developing the problem.