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There are genetic predisposing factors for alcoholism. Nonspecific susceptibility factors include personality traits characterized by behavioral inhibition (e.g., novelty-seeking and impulsivity). These genetically influenced traits interact with other, also genetically influenced, traits involved in the metabolism and pharmacodynamic effects of alcohol, and this interaction forms the basis for nominating alcoholism as a pharmacogenetic disease. Clearly, there are also many environmental factors that influence drinking behavior. Individuals have different sets of susceptibility genes and experience different kinds of environmental provocation. These factors underlie the heterogeneity and complexity of the clinical phenotype of alcoholism.
T.-K. Li (Sat,) studied this question.