Genetic Trait Linked to Alcoholism

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"We know that serotonin is critical to maintaining a positive sense of self and for controlling our anxiety," Philibert said. That could explain a possible connection between serotonin levels and alcoholism, he added.

Li cautioned, however, that it's unlikely that a single genetic trait by itself would make someone more susceptible to alcoholism. It's more likely that a genetic variation works with other genes to raise the risk, he said.

Philibert said research might lead to a day when doctors could look at an alcoholic's genetic traits and discover whether antidepressants could help that person.

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Doctors, he said, might say, "You have this genotype and you drink a lot, so you may benefit from a drug like Prozac."

More information

Learn more about alcoholism from the U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

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