Elvina Akhmetova explains inherited risk of alcohol dependence

Psychiatrist and addiction specialist Elvina Akhmetova rejected the idea of a single alcoholism gene, while noting that a family history of alcohol problems may indicate a greater predisposition to dependence.

The researcher at the V.M. Bekhterev centre told Lenta.ru that family history mattered even when relatives had not noticed obvious signs of dependence. Her comments were published on Oct. 9.

She cited regular drinking several times a week alongside an adverse family history as a reason to consider the risks. That example's drinking frequency alone does not establish a diagnosis.

The U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism explains that alcohol use disorder risk reflects interactions between genetic factors and the environment. Inherited vulnerability does not make the condition inevitable or reduce it to one universal gene.

Addiction specialist Roman Ustinov previously identified seeking occasions to drink and strongly rejecting relatives' concerns as possible warning signs. Such observations do not replace clinical assessment.