Metabolism of Ethanol and Alcoholism: Racial and Acquired Factors

Excerpt

The incidence of alcoholism is steadily increasing. Although no group is immune, various segments of our society are differently affected. It is generally recognized that American Jews are relatively spared, whereas American Indians seem to be more prone to alcoholism. These differences are commonly attributed to cultural factors, although genetic influences have not been ruled out. A hereditary link between alcoholism, cirrhosis, and color blindness has been implicated by some investigators (1) but denied by others (2). Other studies have focused on alcohol preference in inbred animals. Despite some discrepant findings, "alcohol preferring" strains do not show a predisposition for