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Marc A. Schuckit, MD

JAMA. 1999;281:1875-1876.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

INTRODUCTION

This article reviews recent research on the importance of genetic influences on alcohol abuse and dependence. The ultimate goal of those studies was to identify genetically influenced characteristics, or phenotypes, that affect alcoholism risk. This might then facilitate the search for social and environmental influences that are more directly useful in prevention and treatment.

The contribution of genetic influences in alcoholism is supported by the 3- to 4-fold higher prevalence of this disorder in first-degree relatives of alcoholics, a rate that increases another 2-fold in identical twins of alcoholics.^1-4 Adoption-type studies reveal that the increased risk remains strong for children of alcoholics adopted and raised by nonalcoholics.^5-6

The genetic influences appear to be, in large part, separate from a generic predisposition toward dependence on other drugs.^7-9 These influences might involve multiple genes or incomplete expression of several major genes, along with environmental influences.¹⁰ This complexity produces . . . [Full Text of this Article]

Alcohol Metabolizing Enzymes

The Level of Response to Alcohol

Additional Phenotypes of Interest

Implications for Treatment

Author Affiliations: Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, and the Alcohol and Drug Treatment Program, San Diego Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Diego, Calif.

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