Expert: Peter L. - 11/19/2011

Question
I am worried about my 23yr old son. His father was an alcoholic and we separated when he was13. My son drinks mostly on weekends and usually not to excess, certainly not as much as his mates seem to sometimes. Occasionally he does drink way too much at the pub though. He doesnt drink alone that im aware of. Nevertheless it worries me as i have heard that alcoholism is hereditary. I am scared he will end up like his father who died from drink. My son still lives with me while he studies. Am i over reacting? I have also heard that it is most often fathers that pass the alcoholism gene as it were on to their sons. Thanks for your time.

Answer
Hi Jane,

There is much evidence of a genetic component to alcoholism, but there are also many people who have that genetic risk factor by virtue of family history, but never develop addictive disorders.  Too many other factors exist that influence addictive behavior risk to single out genetics as true primary cause.

Your son appears to abuse alcohol at times when he drinks.  Anytime someone drinks above a recommended level, there can be consequences.  Many people can remain alcohol abusers and not reach dependence.  Others will, however.  It's hard to say how each case will turn out individually.

One positive indicator is that he's 23, so if he hasn't become alcohol dependent at this age, he may not ultimately do so.  If he had been drinking problematically as a teen, his risk of becoming alcoholic at this age would be much higher.  

I would say, nevertheless, that your son has some degree of risk in terms of alcohol.  As an abuser of the drug, he can still get into a lot of trouble.  The abuse could turn into dependence.  I would have a conversation with him about his father's alcoholism, and the risk factors passed on to offspring.  Make sure he understands how the risk factors play out, and that he certainly is vulnerable.

Thanks for your question,
Peter