feelingalone43

If alcoholism "runs in families" and is an inherited disease, does the alcoholic who gets treatment still pass on the "gene" that is responsible for drinking in the first place?

I hear a lot about alcoholics who come from a long line of alcoholic parents, grandparents, etc...

I just wonder if the child grew up not seeing the drinking would they still be predisposed to turn to the alcohol because many people say that it is an inherited trait.

choublak

Yes. Treatment does not erase the genes.

mattparadise

No, treatment will not change a thing. Everyone is just as likely to become an alcoholic. Genes don't even play a role.

fourmaggie

dysfunction runs deep for alot of "adults of alcoholics"....my mom has been sober all her life but my 3 Uncles are not...2 in recovery and one is a functional.....

we all treat this behaviour in all different ways....

I support AL ANON and the HEALTHY ways of living...because i am proof of that and so are my kids.....

Willybluedog

Please look at my most under the ACOA thread called "The Family Trap" you will see the difference between treated and untreated outcomes, as least on a behavioral level.

NYCDoglvr

I know someone with close to 30 years of recovery, very active in AA. One of his sons turned into an alcoholic. He got sober for a while (maybe three years) and is drinking again.