Alcohol use disorder is genetically influenced, but there’s no one gene that influences risk. We can now measure one’s genetic vulnerability to some common disorders using polygenic risk scores (PRS), which combine the effects of many genes into a single risk score. At the moment, PRS summarize only a small portion of an individual’s […]
“Externalizing” refers to a spectrum of behaviors and disorders related to impulse control. It includes substance use disorders, behavioral outcomes like risky sex, and childhood outcomes like ADHD or behavior problems. One of the ways genes influence risk for alcohol use disorders is through externalizing pathways. COGA investigators have been at the front line of […]
What was studied and why? Understanding the context around why people seek out help and treatment (aka services) for alcohol problems can help researchers and clinicians to better study and support those same individuals’ treatment and recovery. Service use patterns for alcohol problems have changed over the years, whether it be due to policy (e.g., […]
Posted in Development/Progression, Environmental Factors, News, Other
General background about how genes contribute to alcohol use disorder risks: The pattern of causes of alcohol use disorders are typical of most diseases such as heart attacks and diabetes in that genes contribute to the risk in the context of the environment and a person’s opinions and attitudes (e.g., Schuckit et al., 2011, 2012b). […]Alcohol sensitivity as a risk factor for heavy drinking and alcohol problems
