NIAAA Provides Answers to an Age-old Question
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism (NIAAA) is providing answers to people who have a parent, grandparent, or other close relative with alcoholism who wonder about their risk from this family disease.
A Family History of Alcoholism: Are You at Risk? provides useful information based upon scientific studies about the genetic factors that influence alcoholism. These findings show that children of alcoholics are about four times more likely than the general population to develop alcohol problems. Children of alcoholics also have a higher risk for many other behavioral and emotional problems. But, the research also shows that many factors influence your risk of developing alcoholism. Some factors raise the risk while others lower it.
For those who personally affected by the disease of alcoholism, the NIAAA provides useful information and additional resources for getting help.
If you or a loved one has a problem with alcoholism or other addictions, The Council on Recovery can help. As Houston’s oldest and largest non-profit organization providing the full spectrum of prevention, education, intervention, treatment, and recovery services for individuals of all ages, The Council on Recovery is committed to helping Houstonians through a focus on family healing and long-term support that is equally accessible to all in need. For more information, visit www.councilonrecovery.org.