Familial influence and childhood trauma in female alcoholism

Abstract

Background To assess the role of genetic and environmental factors in female alcoholism using a large population-based twin sample, taking into account possible differences between early and late onset disease subtype. Method Twins aged 20–47 years from the Swedish Twin Registry (n = 24 119) answered questions to establish lifetime alcohol use disorders. Subjects with alcoholism were classified for subtype. Structural equation modeling was used to quantify the proportion of phenotypic variance due to genetic and environmental factors and test whether heritability in women differed from that in men. The association between childhood trauma and alcoholism was then examined in females, controlling for background familial factors. Results Lifetime prevalence of alcohol dependence was 4.9% in women and 8.6% in men. Overall, heritability for alcohol dependence was 55%, and did not differ significantly between men and women, although women had a significantly greater heritability for late onset (type I). Childhood physical trauma and sexual abuse had a stronger association with early onset compared to late onset alcoholism [odds ratio (OR) 2.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.53–3.88 and OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.38–3.79 respectively]. Co-twin analysis indicated that familial factors largely accounted for the influence of physical trauma whereas the association with childhood sexual abuse reflected both familial and specific effects. Conclusions Heritability of alcoholism in women is similar to that in men. Early onset alcoholism is strongly association with childhood trauma, which seems to be both a marker of familial background factors and a specific individual risk factor per se.

Alcoholism: The Self-Reinforcing Feedback Loop

“…Exposure to alcohol before 6 years approximately doubles the likelihood of reporting frequent, heavy or problem drinking during adolescence (Fergusson, Lynskey, & Horwood, 1994). Not only do parental drinking behaviours increase risk of developing problematic alcohol behaviours (Eve 1989), but also violence between parents, particularly violence initiated by the father (Fergusson & Horwood, 1998), and maltreatment and abuse as a child (Gilbert et al, 2009;Magnusson et al, 2011). Taken together, these studies suggest that permissive attitudes to alcohol in the home environment, as well as violence or trauma in the home, may increase the likelihood of later development of problem drinking behaviours (Fergusson, Boden, & Horwood, 2008).…”

“…Not only has trauma early in life been identified as a risk factor for alcohol-related problems (Gilbert et al, 2009;Magnusson et al, 2011), alcohol-use disorders with an onset later in life may be triggered by an unpleasant or traumatic event in adulthood (Johnson, 2010;Sacks & Keks, 1998). Alcohol abuse has been associated with disaster, exposure to grotesque death, physical and sexual abuse in adulthood, and combat in military service (reviewed in Stewart, 1996).…”

Association Between Childhood Sexual Abuse and HIV-Related Risk Factors for HIV-Positive Haitian Women

“…As discussed in the literature review, major factors that contribute to alcohol abuse include past and current physical, emotional, and psychological trauma including CSA, stress, environmental surroundings, family history (Magnusson et al, 2012;Enoch, 2011;Hughes et al, 2007;Kilpatrick et al, 2000). Additionally, prior research has shown that there is a correlation between women who were abused during childhood and contracting HIV, with alcohol being implicated in this association (Schacht et al, 2009).…”

“…Alcohol use accounts for 5.1% of the global burden of disease, suggesting that it accounts for as many deaths and disability as tobacco and hypertension (WHO, 2015;Room, Babor, & Rehm, 2005;Krug, 2002). Alcohol use also has farreaching impact that contribute to public endangerment, such as drunk driving that leads to accidental injuries, domestic violence, fetal alcohol syndrome, neuropsychological impairment, poor medication adherence, economic and loss of productivity, and psychiatric comorbidity (CDC, 2015;Magnusson et al, 2012;Brady & Back, 2012;Enoch, 2011;Hasin, Stinson, Ogburn, & Grant, 2007;Room, Babor, & Rehm, 2005;Cook, 1998). In an effort to combat alcoholism, advocates and interventionists have developed partnerships and programs to assist individuals struggling with alcohol dependence that are split into three general categories: brief intervention, specialized treatment programs, and mutual help groups (Molina, Gardner, Souza-Smith, Whitaker, 2014;Room, Babor, & Rehm, 2005).…”

“…The inability to intervene and address these factors immediately upon identification may lead to serious ramifications for a person who does not have the resources or the support system necessary to overcome those issues (Hunter-Reel, Folkman Folkman, 1997), these options are often unavailable or inaccessible, leading many to individuals turn to "negative" coping methods such as alcohol use, which may ultimately transition into alcohol abuse. The outcomes associated with alcohol abuse are well documented and show the inevitable decline of one's overall health and increase in dependence (CDC, 2015;Magnusson et al, 2012;Brady & Back, 2012;Enoch, 2011;Rehm et al, 2010;Hasin, Stinson, Ogburn, & Grant, 2007;Room, Babor, & Rehm, 2005;Cook, 1998). Research also shows that alcohol does not eradicate the issues that may have led to users' abuse of the substance.…”