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iQuestions Faculty, Dr. David Eckman 
 
 
Question: 
 
Is there a genetic component in alcoholism? 
 
Answer: 
 
Researchers have noticed that alcoholism comes patterned in families, 
it seems to cluster around certain types of families, in the same way 
that depression seems to cluster around in family groups.  
 
The belief is that there is a genetic component. Be that as it may, it 
still creates the problem of addiction, and the problem of addiction is 
actually, ultimately, the problem of pain and the problem of 
relationship. Relationship and dealing with pain always trumps genetic 
background.  
 
And so, there are other issues involved than just genes and DNA. It 
has to do with how we relate to life and with others, and how we deal 
with pain within.  
 
Genetic components are important— they may select out the particular 
addiction that we get trapped by— but the set of solutions are always 
the same.  
 
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