New Study Finds Evidence that Heavy Drinking May Change DNA

Ever wonder why you just can’t seem to ignore those alcohol cravings or why your loved one says they want to stop drinking but then can’t? While it has been scientifically proven that addiction changes the way the brain works, a new study from scientists at Rutgers University and Yale University found that heaving drinking behaviors may also trigger long-lasting changes to a person’s DNA that make them crave alcohol even more.

The Rutgers-led study, which was first published in December of 2018, focused on two different genes in humans: one of which regulates our biological clock and the other which regulates our stress responses. Scientists at Rutgers and Yale University of Medicine compared people who drank alcohol in varying degrees and discovered that only the genes of the heavy drinkers had been altered. The rate at which the genes created proteins was also reduced. In short, they found that the degree of alcohol intake was directly related to the number of genetic changes. Meaning, the more alcohol a person drinks, the more genetic changes will occur.

The study also consisted of an experiment in which the drinkers viewed images which were either stress-related, alcohol-related, or neutral. Scientists then evaluated the extent of their desire to drink after being shown the images. Consequently, the results showed the binge drinkers and heavy drinkers had a greater urge to drink alcohol after seeing the images. This shows that the alcohol-induced genetic changes also increase the alcohol cravings a person experiences.¹

Alcoholism, also referred to as alcohol use disorder, is a disease that impacts a person’s physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. The key findings of this study show the effects of alcohol abuse may run even deeper than we initially thought.

Although there is no cure for alcoholism, effective treatment is available and can help people successfully learn how to live a life that is free from alcohol abuse. Treatment for alcohol addiction often consists of alcohol detox, residential or outpatient rehab, behavioral therapy, and continued care services. A combination of these treatment methods and services can provide comprehensive and individualized addiction treatment that works, for long-lasting sobriety.