ABSTRACT
Race, religion and cultural background have an influence: Western world Christians, apart from strict Baptists, have the highest incidence. The Irish are particularly vulnerable, while Jewish, Afro-Caribbean (and black Americans), Hindu, Moslem, Asian and Oriental people are less likely to encounter problems with alcohol. Family factors include a genetic predisposition to become dependent on alcohol: those affected usually start drinking heavily in teenage years. The family environment and, for boys especially, the role model of male drinking is important. A key factor is availability.