THE THIRST THAT NEVER QUENCHES: WHY ALCOHOLISM RUNS IN FAMILIES

Every Filipino family seems to have that uncle, cousin, or father who drinks too much. For some, alcohol is a nightly escape; for others, a weekend ritual turned addiction. The tragedy deepens when the next generation repeats the pattern — when a son grows up resenting his father’s drinking, only to find himself clutching the same bottle decades later.

- DR. RAFAEL R. CASTILLO

Dola Al Image: Dola Al

(Dola Al)

Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), is one of the most insidious hereditary and social conditions. It doesn’t just affect one person — it ripples across generations. Children of heavy drinkers often grow up either fearing alcohol or falling into the same trap. Is this destiny written in DNA, or a learned behavior from childhood trauma? And most importantly, can the cycle be broken?

Studies show that children of alcoholics are four times more likely to develop alcoholism themselves. Yet many of them swear they never would. Is it biology or upbringing — nature or nurture? The answer is: both.

Science confirms that genetics account for about 50-60 percent of a person’s risk for developing alcoholism. Large-scale twin and adoption studies — including those by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) — reveal that even when raised apart, children of alcoholic parents are more prone to alcohol dependence than those without a family history.

Researchers have identified variations in genes related to:

Genes may load the gun, but environment pulls the trigger — and faith, love, and self-awareness can disarm it.

Alcohol metabolism. People with slower alcohol-metabolizing enzymes often experience stronger unpleasant effects (flushing, nausea) and tend to drink less — common in many East Asians. Those without this genetic “protection” can tolerate more, increasing addiction risk.

Brain reward pathways. Variants in some human genes affect how dopamine and endorphins are released when drinking. For some, alcohol produces a stronger sense of pleasure and stress relief — making it harder to stop.

Stress and impulsivity genes. Genetic differences in serotonin and cortisol regulation may predispose individuals to anxiety or impulsive coping — conditions where alcohol becomes a quick, but dangerous, fix.