Is Alcoholism Hereditary?

Children are often the focal point of many parent’s lives. They want to make sure to do everything possible to make their lives easier and ensure that they have a bright future. But in some families alcoholism may dominate the life of one of the parents, leaving the other to ponder if their child is at risk of the same future. Many people are often curious if alcoholism is hereditary, and though the answer isn’t a straight cut yes or no, studies have shown that children of alcoholics run a higher risk of becoming an alcoholic for a few reasons.

First of all, the hereditary factor does play a part in the equation. There isn’t an alcoholic gene per say, but there are certain personality characteristics that can be inherited that influence the risk of the child becoming a future alcoholic, like being anxious, seeking excitement, and being anti-social. Although each person is unique, history has shown that inheriting the personality characteristics of an alcoholic will in fact lead to a higher risk of the child also becoming an alcoholic. Another important factor is the influence of the environment that the child is in. If you’re kid sees you or your spouse drinking all the time, or is constantly put in a drinking environment, that’s clearly going to rub off on them. They see that drinking is a normal habit, and they don’t think anything of it once they are able to drink. It’s almost an unconscious association. If you’re concerned that your child might be headed on a road to alcoholism, then it’s time for your family to get some professional help.

Seabrook can help families overcome alcoholism issues in a few different ways. First and foremost, we offer unique and holistic detox and rehab programs for those addicted to alcohol. Seabrook structures their programs to fit the individual needs of the patient, to ensure that a recovery is successful and lasting. In addition to addiction treatment options, Seabrook also offers Family Intervention services. If you’re having trouble confronting your addicted loved one, there are professionals at Seabrook that can help structure a caring intervention, or what we call a carefrontation. Finally, Seabrook can offer families child services as well in order to teach kids healthy habits and help wash away any alcoholic influence in their life. Our main rehab facility is located in rural Bridgeton, New Jersey (NJ), only a 90 minute drive from New York City (NYC). Our extended-care luxury transitional rehab is located in Tioga County, Pennsylvania (PA), just minutes from Elmira/Corning New York (NY) Regional airport or by car from Philadelphia, driving time is 4 hours.  Our New York (NY) City outpatient office provides a regional presence for alumni and referral sources. If you don’t want to let alcoholism ruin your family life, contact Seabrook to help today!