A new study due to be published in September 2012 
has found a significant association between alcohol dependence and genetic variation, giving more evidence to the theory of a gene for alcoholism. The study, as part of the Study of Addiction: Genetics and Environment (SAGE), interviewed almost 4000 people to find variations on two chromosomes which link to alcohol dependence.
Genetic variations such as these “…can be inherited or be a genetic mutation that neither parent possessed… in addition [they] have been reported to influence diseases such as autism and schizophrenia….” said lead author, Professor John P Rice of Washington University in the USA.
Whilst the two chromosome areas found to be associated with alcoholism only represent a modest risk, due to advances in genomic research and techniques, more genes are expected to be found whichinfluence alcoholism and there may be potential for screening those at risk in future generations.
The researchers are now hoping that these chromosomes will be tested in more populations and that new lines of investigation into other alcohol-related genes will be pursued.
