ABSTRACT
The concept of a genetic origin to the disease of alcoholism is examined in terms of its historical roots with the finding that this body of theory is not new but has roots reaching into an earlier century. Specifically, the claims of contemporary “adoptee studies” which posit a significant genetic association between alcoholism in fathers and that in offspring are examined in detail with an eye toward flaws in analysis and design. Future analyses of these studies are recommended. Last, the implications of the genetic theories are examined in terms of social policy, treatment and prevention of alcohol problems with the conclusion that these hypotheses and related scientific findings hold strong potential for supporting racism and determinism in some social and political settings.
