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Bridget M. Kuehn

JAMA. 2006;296:1828-1829.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

Sophisticated brain imaging techniques have helped scientists identify factors that may protect an individual with a genetic predisposition to alcoholism from developing the disorder.

A multi-institution team of scientists has discovered that high levels of certain receptors in the human brain that regulate dopamine, a chemical involved in the brain's reward circuitry, may counteract a genetic predisposition to alcoholism (Volkow ND et al. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2006;63:999-1008). The findings add to a growing body of evidence from human and animal studies that suggest that D₂ dopamine receptors and dopamine play an important role in alcoholism and other addictions. They also suggest that medical or environmental interventions that boost D₂ receptor levels may be potential treatments.

BRAIN CHEMISTRY

Alcoholism has a strong genetic component, accounting for 50% to 60% of the risk of developing the disorder (McGue M. Curr Dir Psychol Sci. 1999;8:109-115). But alcohol dependence also has . . . [Full Text of this Article]