Is Alcoholism in Your Genes?

Hyde Healy

Alcoholism, also known as alcohol addiction or alcohol dependence, is one of the most dangerous and life-changing diseases in the world. Known as a chronic disease characterized by uncontrolled drinking and preoccupation with alcohol, alcoholism affects approximately 15 million people in the United States alone. While some social and environmental factors contribute to the development of alcoholism, a significant factor in increasing someone’s predisposition toward the disorder is genetics, with scientists indicating there may be up to 51 genes possessing variations that can impact the trait. (5) For example, one study of Japanese males show that individuals possessing a specific variation of rs1076560—located in the dopamine receptor D2 gene—were 1.3 times more likely to be affected by alcoholism. (6)

While no widely-used genetic test for alcoholism exists, many gene variations that can lead to alcoholism have been identified. In particular, scientists at Indiana University identified a panel of eleven genes that can help predict if an individual is at an increased risk for alcoholism. (4) Given this information, I recommend that people who believe they may be at risk for alcoholism should take a SNP chip or SNP array test to identify these genetic variations. The test costs about $278, and interested individuals can use the internet to hire companies such as Ambry Genetics to perform the test for them. Individuals may want this information so they can decide to be cautionary with their use of alcohol or abstain from using alcohol all together. However, since genetics only plays about 50% of a role in causing alcoholism (with the other half being social and environmental factors), a genetic test would only be somewhat accurate in its determination of risk of alcoholism. An Emory University epidemiologist even said the results of the Indiana Study in predicting alcohol problems are about as accurate as flipping a coin. (3)

While getting such a test done can give an individual a better idea of whether or not they are at an increased risk for alcoholism, they must realize that this test is not completely accurate and a host of non-genetic factors also contribute to being affected by this disease. Environmental risk factors such as family of origin, lifestyle choices, and incidence of stressful events play a role. Also, psychological factors like the presence of depression and other mental illnesses can play a large part in causing alcoholism as well. Even dismissing the myriad of other elements, genetic testing for addiction and alcohol abuse still are not very accurate due to scientific ignorance. In 2012 researchers concluded that, “more than 95 percent of the genetic variance remains unaccounted for, indicating that most of the genetic risk factors for addiction have not been discovered yet.” (5)

There are both positive and negative implications if one tests positive for alcoholism-related genetic variations. For instance, if someone tests positive, and they have not used or frequently used alcohol they can stop using it altogether to prevent the development of a serious problem. Additionally, if someone believes they may have a problem with alcohol abuse, getting a test done may be the confirmation they need to start seeking help. On the other hand, positive test results can have negative implications like causing a person to be unnecessarily fearful or hesitant to use alcohol even when the risk of developing alcoholism is very low. The most significant negative consequence, however, is that a positive test result may lead the patient to have more negative thoughts and therefore a greater desire to drink. This was found to be the case in a study conducted by researchers at the University of Sydney. (1)

While parents can definitely pass down genes resulting in alcoholic tendencies down to their children, the chances of this happening are difficult to calculate. This due to the fact that with some diseases only a few key genes are needed to be at an increased risk, but with alcoholism hundreds of genes in different combinations can cause an increased risk. Therefore, determining which genes the parent or parents would pass down to the child is difficult. With that being said, studies have shown that children with one or more alcoholic parents are approximately 4-8 times more likely to develop alcoholism than children without alcoholic parents. (2) But, again, since alcohol dependency is caused by both genetic and environmental factors, these statistics don’t definitively mean the risk of disease was passed down genetically from parent to child. If someone does test positive for the genetic variation associated with this disease, they should consider exercise and a healthy diet to maintain good mental health as well as abstain from alcohol and drugs or only use these substances in moderation.

If someone has a history of alcoholism or mental illness in their family, they should consider taking a SNP chip or SNP array test to see if they may possess genetic variations that can increase their risk of developing alcoholism. However, they should know that the results of the test may not be completely accurate and that a host of other factors can contribute to alcoholism. If someone believes they may be at an increased risk for this disorder, they should use alcohol with caution or not at all and maintain good mental health through exercise and a supportive network of friends and family. If someone believes they already have developed alcoholism, they should consider going to their nearest AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) meeting place or call the SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.

Works Cited

“Home Genetic Testing for Alcoholism Carries Perils | CBC News.” CBCnews, CBC/Radio Canada, 11 Sept. 2012, www.cbc.ca/news/health/home-genetic-testing-for-alcoholism-carries-perils-1.1293265.

2) Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Prevention of Mental Disorders. “Risk and Protective Factors for the Onset of Mental Disorders.” Reducing Risks for Mental Disorders: Frontiers for Preventive Intervention Research., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 Jan. 1994, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK236306/.

3) Janssens, Cecile. “Researchers Promise New Genetic Test for Alcoholism for Which They Found No Scientific Evidence.” HuffPost, HuffPost, 23 July 2014, www.huffpost.com/entry/researchers-promise-new-g_b_5371655.

4) “Panel of 11 Genes Predicts Alcoholism Risk, Gives New Insights into Biology of the Disease.” Newsroom, IU School of Medicine, 20 May 2014, https://medicine.iu.edu/news/2014/05/genes-predict-alcoholism-1/

5) Parkinson, Robert. “Genetic Testing for Addiction: 5 Things to Know.” U.S. News & World Report, U.S. News & World Report, 14 June 2017, https://health.usnews.com/health-care/for-better/articles/2017-06-14/genetic-testing-for-addiction-5-things-to-know

6) “rs1076560.” SNPedia, www.snpedia.com/index.php/Rs1076560.

River Clean Up Reflection- Hyde Healy

The Rivers Alive clean up was a rewarding and fun experience. A large group of us walked up and down the Oconee River picking up everything from plastic bottles to plastic tires. Everyone had the same role: pick up any trash you see and add it to the various piles that accumulated on the side of the path.

I enjoyed the experience quite a lot. Although sometimes the labor was strenuous, especially picking up the heavier objects like tires and old TV sets, seeing the area near the river gradually grow cleaner and cleaner was well worth it.

I applied organization and clean up skills I learned from being heavily involved in my high school’s Key Club.

As a result of this experience, I will make a conscious effort to litter less and pick up litter when I see it. I learned that more people need to care about this beautiful town we call Athens and not actively aid in its degradation. Keep Athens Beautiful #KAB

Climate Simulation Reflection- Hyde Healy

When I played my role in the policy exercise, I felt excited yet anxious. Since my usual daily decisions include where to eat or when to study, the task of deciding the most effective way to cut emissions and fight climate change intimated me. As the exercise progressed, however, I felt empowered and satisfied.

As a member of the developed nations, I initially had a close minded view during negotiations. I assumed since our countries were pledging lots of funds because already have things like stable government, widely-accessible clean water and food, and healthy economies that other countries should too. At first, I did not like hearing that other, less fortunate countries were not pledging nearly as much and actually needed money from us. After listening to their representatives, however, I understood that they simply did not have the resources to pledge.

Our group changed our ideas when we decided to pledge more money to the developing nations. Their representatives pleaded with us in a logical, level-headed manner and assured us the pledged resources would not only help their nations but help the entire world by allowing the developing nations to cut back on emissions.

The representatives of the developing nations approaching us in a calm manner to ask for donations prompted this change. Their well thought-out, cohesive explanation of where the money would go and how it would be used to fight climate change ultimately made my group change our minds.

Yes, I believe emissions can be cut once enough people/nations realize they must put the greater good of the world ahead of the greater good of their nation. The world is in a classic prisoner’s dilemma, but they can escape this problem with proper coordination. If the nations assure each other that everyone will contribute their fair share and no one will be put at a serious economic disadvantage by agreeing to fight climate change, then real change can be achieved.

The biggest barrier was selfishness. Nations did not want to pledge too much in fear that they would economically fall behind the rest of the world. You could tell, especially in the beginning, that most groups were looking our for themselves first and the world second. While this is a very natural and human way to negotiate, all nations must work to change.

We can catalyze change in the U.S. by placing laws on oil companies and big corporations that limit emissions. While small, individual changes like abstaining from plastic straws or using less water are somewhat helpful and well-intentioned, the biggest changes will come from limiting massive companies.

Scavenger Hunt Reflection Hyde Healy

In this picture, I see the Lily Branch Stream with its eroded bank the focus of the picture. What immediately jumps out to me about this picture is the drastically eroded bank of the stream. Instead of the gradual decline that comprises most banks, the Lily Branch’s bank drops straight off like a cliff. This picture makes me think of water and just how powerful of a force it is. The erosion displayed in the picture tells the viewer water is a force that commands their respect and attention. This photo highlights the importance water management and watershed maintenance plays in the town of Athens. When I look at this picture I feel motivated to learn more about watersheds and water management so I can aid in the battle to keep Athens healthy and beautiful. The photo makes me realize there is much more I could be doing to help. I think this picture is about watershed management and, more specifically, erosion.

Hyde Healy Introduction

My previous experience with science pretty much comes from the courses I had to take in high school. I took robotics, physical science, biology, chemistry, and physics. I enjoyed robotics and biology the most. Robotics because you were given the chance to be creative and think outside the box, and biology because there wasn’t much math involved.

I would like to get a true knowledge of biology and the world around us that I won’t immediately when the course is over.

The tailgating and rivers alive watershed clean up projects interest me the most. This is because both projects involve going out into the community and actively doing things as opposed to sitting in a lab or just staring at a computer. I was deeply involved with my high school’s Key Club, and we often had neighborhood trash clean up days. I had to organize and execute these clean ups, and I believe these experiences would help me complete the aforementioned projects. I think the issues of trash on our campus and in our rivers would appeal to my fellow students because the aspects of the issue are tangible and students see the issue everyday. This might be more appealing than testing the bacteria samples from a river because it’s an issue that’s invisible to most people. I’m not saying this to invalidate the issue of fecal coliform bacteria in the river, but I just believe people will care about it less since it’s not a very visible issue.

Relative to civic engagement, these projects would teach us the most effective ways to educate the public on issues. Cleaning up trash is one thing, but educating the students of UGA to prevent the littering is another. We would also learn how to collaborate with others by working with the high school students.

I would like to learn the effects things like pollution and extreme litter have on a biological level. In my opinion, putting biology in the context of real life issues makes it much more interesting.