ABSTRACT
Family and twin studies provide strong evidence to support genetic transmission of alcoholism, but also indicate an equally important role for shared environment. Further examination of the role of genetics and shared environment in mediating initiation, maintenance, and relapse to alcohol drinking suggests that while drinking patterns may be genetically determined, an individual’s ability to quit may be mediated more by environmental factors. Evidence for familial transmission of alcoholism has prompted a number of investigations on physiological markers and specific genes that might mediate susceptibility to alcohol dependence and a number of candidates have been identified. However, alcoholism is a polygenic disease and confirming a role for these markers and genes in mediating vulnerability for alcoholism is a difficult task. Moreover, potential confounds produced by other disorders such as tobacco use and depression, which are highly comorbid with alcohol use, should not be disregarded. Nevertheless, the determination of specific genes and physiological correlates of alcoholism would significantly enhance our ability to develop improved treatments, and perhaps even prevent alcohol abuse/dependence disorders.
