Is there a genetic link to alcoholism?

Via onlinereport.ro

Alcohol addiction is a serious disease and can be potentially fatal.  Alcoholics have a constant craving for, increased tolerance of and physical dependence on alcohol.  Alcoholism can not be attributed to one gene.  Instead, it is the result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors.  Research shows that children of alcoholics are close to 50% more likely to become alcohol dependent themselves as compared to other children their age.  This may be in part due to the fact that children of alcoholics tend to have lower beta-endorphin levels.  Non-genetic factors of alcoholism include, but are not limited to: history of family abuse, mental illness, quality of family relationships, or prenatal exposure to alcohol.  With the help of education and interventions, those most at risk for alcoholism can greatly impact their genetic history for the better.