Evidence for a genetic component for substance dependence in Native Americans.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Although tribes differ with regard to the use of alcohol and drugs, substance dependence is one of the primary sources of health problems facing Native Americans. General population studies have demonstrated that substance dependence has a substantially heritable component (approximately 50% of the risk resulting from genetic influences); however, fewer studies have investigated the role of genetics in the risk for substance dependence in Native Americans.

Method

The authors present a literature review of the evidence for a genetic component in the etiology of substance dependence in Native Americans, including studies of heritability, linkage analyses, and candidate genes.

Results

Evidence for the heritability of alcohol and drug dependence was found. Linka

SUBMITTER: Ehlers CL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3603686 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature