Much evidence suggests that genes play a role in the development of alcoholism.
Brain chemistry appears to be a major factor, according to recent research from Johns Hopkins. The brain controls production of the natural opioids that may influence a person's craving for and reaction to alcohol. Both were given a drug that artificially blocked opioid activity in their brains. In measuring the body's response, researchers found that the two groups reacted very differently. Lead researcher Dr. Gary Wand.