types of information.
First, the article was examined for information establishing genetic contribution to alcoholism. Second, the article was examined for information regarding the size or magnitude of the genetic contribution and whether the author of the article felt that the particular biogenetic area discussed was such that it worked to produce alcoholism with or without environmental contribution.
As early as 1975, the National Institute of Mental Health declared that alcoholism "runs in families;" specifically, the NIMH reported that 20 to 30 percent of children of alcoholics will eventually develop alcoholism. Since then, there have been literally hundreds of studies examining for biogenetic determinants of the disorder.
Primarily, these studies have been of two types: (1) research conducted on twins, adoptees, and other family members; and (2) research examining for biogenetic risk factors or markers for alcoholism. The current research in both of these areas is reviewed here. The r
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