Although more research needs to be done to understand how genetics affects someone’s predisposition to alcohol abuse, researchers have identified some genes that can impact a person’s chance to becoming addicted to alcohol. ADH1B and ALDH2 are two genes that so far are the strongest known to affect the risk of alcoholism. A handful of others (GABRA2, CHRM2, KCNJ6, and AUTS2) are currently being studied for their impact. Note that genes can either increase the risk of alcohol abuse or protect against that risk. Genes aren’t the only thing that influence how a person might deal with alcohol consumption—their environment is an indicator as well. Learn more about how genetics impact the chance for alcohol abuse.