I recently read that a person’s genetic makeup accounts for approximately 50% of their risk for some type of alcohol abuse disorder. Notice, it accounts for the “risk” of alcohol abuse, not the actual abuse of alcohol itself. Other factors play a role when it comes to a person actually abusing alcohol. One factor that influences whether the genetic predisposition to alcohol abuse leads to actual alcohol abuse is our romantic relationships. In fact, people with a genetic predisposition to alcohol abuse are “less likely to drink frequently, become intoxicated often, or suffer from alcohol dependence symptoms if they are in a romantic relationship.”  

A study led by Virginia Commonwealth University and Rutgers University suggests nuanced ways in which our romantic relationships impact alcohol abuse…and that’s where marriages and families enter the picture.

Knowing this, the study led by researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University and Rutgers University sought to better understand the nuanced ways in which romantic relationships can impact alcohol abuse. To do so, they analyzed surveys from 1,620 twins (fraternal and identical) and their romantic partners. The results suggest that a person who has a genetic predisposition to abuse alcohol is more likely to engage in some form of alcohol abuse if their romantic partner smokes cigarettes. In addition, the risk of alcohol abuse for a person who has a genetic predisposition for alcohol abuse increases when their romantic partners smoke more frequently, exhibit less conscientious behavior, exhibit a higher level of extroversion, and report higher neuroticism or greater psychological distress.

Perhaps you fear your spouse or romantic partner has a genetic predisposition to abuse alcohol. If so, this study suggests you can help decrease the chances of them abusing alcohol by:

• Smoking cigarettes less often, infrequently or not at all.
• Clarify your priorities and values. Consider what priorities are most important in your life. What values do you want to live by? More importantly, clarify the values and priorities you want people to remember about you. Keep those values and priorities present in our thoughts. Mindfully practice living those values and priorities on a daily basis.
• Based on your priorities and values, develop goals for your life and the steps necessary to reach those goals. If you’re unsure of what goals you might have, talk to a friend, a pastor, or a therapist. Establish goals for your life and persist in moving toward those goals, making adjustments as needed.
• Learn to manage your negative emotions well. Learn and practice coping skills such as breathing for self-soothing, reframing to find the positive aspects of situations, and daily gratitude. These practices will help you better manage your negative emotions, decreasing neuroticism. They will decrease your distress.

It may seem strange, but these 4 actions could decrease the chances of your spouse or romantic partner engaging in alcohol abuse. If your spouse does abuse alcohol or continues to abuse alcohol, these 4 actions are not lost. They still increase your happiness and your internal sense of power so you can respond in an effective, loving manner.