The influence of gene-environment interactions on alcohol consumption and alcohol use disorders: a comprehensive review.

ABSTRACT: Since 2005, a rapidly expanding literature has evaluated whether environmental factors such as socio-cultural context and adversity interact with genetic influences on drinking behaviors. This article critically reviews empirical research on alcohol-related genotype-environment interactions (GxE) and provides a contextual framework for understanding how genetic factors combine with (or are shaped by) environmental factors to influence the development of drinking behaviors and alcohol use disorders. Collectively, evidence from twin, adoption, and molecular genetic studies indicates that the degree of importance of genetic influences on risk for drinking outcomes can vary in different populations and under different environmental circumstances. However, methodological limitations and lack of

SUBMITTER: Young-Wolff KC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3192029 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature