(alpha)6 receptor gene. These contributed to both a low level of response to alcohol at age 20 years and a higher risk of alcoholism by age 35 years. In addition, a low amplitude positive polarity brain wave, and a certain type of dopamine receptor gene have been associated with greater prevalence of alcoholism.
Schuckit (1999) noted that there are additional factors that need to be researched more fully. For example, he noted that while study of l particular polymorphism related to an opioid receptor gene was negative, there is still the possibility of some connection. Thus, further research on the opioid receptor genes is desirable. In addition, there is potential value in studying the cellular mechanisms of alcohol, with particular attention to adenelyl cyclase and other similar systems.
There are racial and ethnic associations with alcoholism that may depend upon genetics, but may also result from other factors. For example, in her exploration of racial and ethnic considerations, the Committee on Cultural Psychiatry (Group, 1996) looked at urban migration as part of the problem for African Americans, and acculturation as an issue for Hispanics. They noted that alcohol problems are not really higher among ethnic minorities than among European Americans, but that stereotypes continue to affect our perceptions.
One of the stereotypes that hurts a significant group of people is the stereotype of alcoholism as primarily a young person's disease. In fact, estimates are that 3 million people over the age of 65 abuse alcohol. Most of those do not receive treatment. One of the problems of alcohol abuse in the elderly is that it is often confused with problems of aging, or with medication effects. Alcoholism is frequently overlooked, even though it may be an even more significant problem for older people, because older people seem to need less alcohol than younger people. Another age associated issue contributing to al...