[Genetic bases of alcoholism: an overview]

Abstract

The present article reviews the role of biological and genetic factors in the vulnerability toward alcoholism. Studies involving twin offsprings and relatives of alcoholic patients, as well as children of alcoholic parents adopted by non-alcoholic patients immediately after birth were the first to demonstrate the importance of genetic factors in the predisposition to alcoholism. Next, studies comparing sons of alcoholics (FHP-family history positive) and controls (FHN-family history negative) demonstrated that FHP show a decreased response to moderate doses of alcohol when compared to FHN, as measured by physiological and behavioral responses. Among the clinical implications of these findings are the possibility of future identification high-risk groups through biological trait-markers and the implementation of prevention programs.