For those of you who are alcoholics, and those who aren't, is it safe to say alcoholism is hereditary? Biologically, that's impossible, right? Can it even really be considered a disease?
by 
vet_theory
ANSWERS: 3
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Yes, it is hereditary. It's genetic and is often passed through the Y chromosome. And yes, it can be and is considered a disease, it's chronic and there is no cure.
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It is most certainly a disease, and it is definitely hereditary.
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There certainly is a genetic component to alcoholism. (http://www.elon.edu/e-web/pendulum/Issues/2004/1_22/KRTstories/gene.xhtml) But I think I understand what you mean. If you had the gene and were never exposed to alcohol, you clearly wouldn't become an alcoholic. So there are obviously some environmental influences. That said, there are certain genes that predispose one to having problems with alcohol, in the same way that certain genes am make some more likely to get heart disease. Specific genetic makeups can make it much more difficult to avoid diseases than your average person. And since "disease" describes any abnormal, morbid condition, yes, alcoholism fits the definition of disease.
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