Genetics of Alcoholism

Abstract

Until recently, alcoholism was considered to be mainly a behavioral problem. With the new evidence in the field of genetics and biology, it is now known that this addiction is a complex condition, affected by various factors: genetics, family and social conditioning and psychological health. The link between alcoholism and genetics had long been proposed, however, it was not until the last decade of the 20th century that the scientific community started researching this condition in depth.

Recent studies on humans and animals demonstrate that genetics may play a significant role in the development of tolerance for alcohol. Studies done on fruit flies at the University of California demonstrated that drunken flies behave in the same way that the humans do, when intoxicated. In addition, these studies suggest that resistance to alcohol in flies may be controlled by the same molecular mechanisms as in humans.

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• COGA study by National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse
• Alcoholism: polygenic phenomenon
• Genes involved
• Alcoholism and tobacco addiction
• Alcoholism and psychiatric disorders