The fact that alcoholism runs in families and that some people are more prone to alcohol addiction than others, leads us to think that perhaps addiction to alcohol is not after all an acquired problem. Yes, recent studies have tried to discover the link between genes and alcoholism.

In support to this hypothesis, there have been several studies conducted which have identified a gene that is linked to alcoholism. The research conducted few years back, focused on the CREB gene which is so named because it produces a protein called CREB. Apart from this, a section of the brain called central amygdala is also linked to depression, anxiety and alcoholism. Experiments conducted on rats showed that with less of CREB in the central amygdala, rats show preference for alcohol. Rats that were deficient in the CREB protein drank 50% more alcohol than the normal rats.

Earlier studies had discovered certain enzymes and genes associated with the breaking down of alcohol. An enzyme that breaks down alcohol into acetaldehyde is Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) enzyme. This is produced by a family of genes belonging to the ADH1 group and ADH4.

According to very recent studies, multiple genes would be involved, which explains an individual’s addiction to alcohol. These genes are related to several physiological processes which include: breaking down of alcohol, balanced brain function, taste and reward reinforcement. Variations in these genes that control these traits make a person alcoholic. These genes include ADH4, ALDH1, CHRM2, DRD2, GABRG3, GABRA2, HTAS2R16, OPRK1 and PDYN. 

Finding out the gene that makes a person more vulnerable to alcohol consumption, will help discover better methods of treatment and cure.