Vulnerability to Alcohol and Drug Abuse: A Behavior-Genetic View

Abstract

Application of a diathesis-stress model to substance abuse emphasizes that a genetic susceptibility must be shaped by environmental forces to create the pathological condition. A number of dimensions of genetic vulnerability have been explored, although none has been decisively identified as leading to alcoholism or other substance abuse. Other factors in addition to genetic vulnerability in this eventual outcome include acquired vulnerability (e.g., family socialization disturbances), life stage, cohort effects, and various environmental conditions (such as availability of a substance) for expressing a particular disorder. Additional complications in creating a predictive model include essential distinctions between transmission of alcoholism and lesser degrees of problem drinking and, especially, alternate forms of expression of predictive traits that have shown promise such as inherited temperament. Prevention efforts should be directed primarily at those with temperaments and other risk factors (including antisocial tendencies) that lead to a variety of compulsive behaviors.