The Behavioral Genetics of Alcoholism

Author: McGue M.

Source: Current Directions in Psychological Science, Volume 8, Number 4, August 1999 , pp. 109-115(7)

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Abstract:

Twin and adoption studies consistently implicate the importance of genetic influences on alcoholism risk, especially in men. Heritability estimates suggest that approximately 50% to 60% of the variability in alcoholism liability is associated with genetic factors. Although there has been progress in identifying specific genes that predispose toward alcoholism, we know relatively little about the nature of the genetic influence on alcoholism risk. We also know relatively little about how genetic factors combine with environmental factors to affect alcoholism risk. Genotype-environment interaction models posit that alcoholism occurs when individuals both inherit a vulnerability to develop alcoholism and are reared in a provocative environment. Such models hold great promise for understanding alcoholism's etiology.

Keywords: Alcoholism; heritability; geno-type-environment interaction

Language: English

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN

Publication date: 1999-08-01