Nearly two-thirds of people believe alcohol dependence has a genetic component that runs in families. According to a new online survey, Alcohol: A Review of Contemporary Usage & Attitudes, over 42% of participants surveyed had a family history of alcohol problems while almost a third admitted they drink moderately or not at all as a result of how people in their family consumed alcohol.
Calum Best, son of legendary footballer George Best who passed away in 2005, is now supporting a new campaign on the issue, Reduce Your Alcohol Use to highlight the genetic link associated with alcohol dependence.
“Alcohol dependence is a chronic disease. I witnessed this first hand with my father, who drank heavily every day of his life up until he died at the age of 59,” said Best. “Like my father, I have an addictive personality. In my early 20s, I experienced the celebrity lifestyle of drinking excessively and got wrapped up in the nights out.
“I was going down a similar dark path to my father, but I stopped. My mother was a huge influence, and offered me help and support when I decided to change my life. Now, I go to the gym regularly, eat right and monitor the level of alcohol I consume on nights out.”
Best stated that while a person’s genes are not their “destiny”, those with a family history of alcohol dependence, should be aware that they may be more at risk of becoming addicted to alcohol. “Learn to manage your drinking to prevent history from repeating itself,” he said.
GP specialising in substance abuse, Dr Garrett McGovern added: “Our research found that of those who sought professional help for their drinking, 47% had a history of alcohol dependence in their family. Being aware of your alcohol intake and reducing if you need to will help ensure history does not repeat itself. Speak to your healthcare professional if you or a family member is engaging in harmful drinking.”
Source: corknews.ie, 25/10/13
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