An Integrative Approach for Studying the Etiology of Alcoholism and Other Addictions

摘要: Studies of alcoholism etiology often focus on genetic or psychosocial approaches, but not both. Greater understanding the alcohol, tobacco and other addictions will come from integration these research traditions. A approach is outlined to test three models for addictions--behavioral undercontrol, pharmacologic vulnerability, negative affect regulation--addressing key questions including (i) mediators effects, (ii) genotype-environment correlation (iii) genotype x environment interaction (iv) developmental unfolding environmental (v) subtyping identification distinct trajectories substance involvement, (vi) individual genes that contribute risk, (vii) consequences excessive use. By using coordinated designs, prospective assessment adolescent twins their siblings parents; adult dependent control MZ DZ cotwins, spouses pairs, offspring; regular families; by selecting gene-mapping approaches sibships screened extreme concordance discordance quantitative indices use; experimental (drug challenge) as well survey a number concerning addiction can be addressed. We discuss complementary strengths weaknesses different sampling strategies, methods implement such an integrated illustrated study etiology. program twin family studies allow comprehensive dissection interplay risk-factors in addictions.