At a Glance

Genes make up about half of a person’s risk for developing alcohol use disorder (AUD). Many genes contribute to this risk, with most of those genes making only very small contributions to the overall risk. Genes that affect AUD risk are involved in various biological processes and mental states and traits, including physiological responses to alcohol and stress, alcohol metabolism, addiction-related neurobiology, and behavioral tendencies such as impulsivity. In addition to genes, environmental influences also play a role in the risk for AUD.

This webpage has resources about genetics as it relates to alcohol use and health. NIAAA’s “Core Resource,” although intended for health care professionals, has helpful information for the public as well. One NIAAA-supported study, the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism Project (COGA),  explores how genes affect vulnerability to AUD, and has an easy-to-understand web resource about alcohol and genetics.