Over 80% of the population in the USA is exposed to alcohol but only about 20% develop an episode of alcohol dependence in their lifetime. Twin studies demonstrate that about 50% of the variation in risk of developing alcohol dependence depends on genetic factors
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Genetic Factors Contribute to Alcohol Dependence (AD)
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Genetics plays a role not only in the diagnosis of alcohol dependence but also other factors that can lead to dependence
Twin Studies Show a Significant Genetic Component in Alcohol Related Behaviorss -
Genetic factors play a role in all types of addiction and the most addictive drugs have the highest heritability. Alcohol is in the middle range of addictive liability and heritability.
There Is a High Heritability for Drug Dependence and the Highest Heritability Is Found with Drugs with the Highest Addictive Liability
CURRENT LESSON OBJECTIVES
- Describe the magnitude of genetic factors in alcohol dependence.
- Identify how both genetic and environmental factors are involved in alcohol use.
- At what age do genetic factors become more evident in alcohol consumption.
- How do adoption studies show that genetics and stress interact in 2 types of alcoholism?
- Why would a biologic factor (endotype) predict alcoholism better than family history?
- What is the most robust genetic factor known to influence the development of alcoholism?
- How do genetic variations in the dopamine D-2 receptor relate to alcohol dependence?
- How does the D2 A1 allele interact with stress, rule setting and treatment?
- How do genetic variations in GABA-A receptors relate to alcoholism?
- How do genetics of the u-opioid receptor relate to effects of alcohol and alcoholism
- How are genetic variations in the CRF system related to alcohol seeking
- How does variation in a glutamate receptor relate to alcohol problems?
- How would changes in endocannibinoid metabolism effect alcohol use
- Why would variations in nicotine receptors relate to alcohol use.
- How would genetic related lower NPY levels relate to stress induced alcohol drinking?
RELATED RESOURCES
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