Abstract
Research has identified children of alcoholics (COAs) as a population at increased risk for developing substance use problems. Genetic studies support the Al allele of the D2 dopamine receptor gene (DRD2) as a risk marker for alcoholism and substance use disorders. In this study, substance use was assessed in 48 adolescent boys of alcoholics with the DRDR A1 + allele (A1A1/A1A2 genotypes) or the A1 − allele (A2A2 genotype). The results revealed that boys with the A1 + allele tried ( p = 0.0001) and got intoxicated on alcohol more often ( p = 0.009) than boys with the A1 − allele. Boys with the A1 + allele tried more ( p = 0.004) and used more substances overall ( p = 0.008) than boys with the A1 − allele. Boys with the A1 + allele developed a tobacco habit more often ( p = 0.03) and experienced marijuana high at an earlier age ( p = 0.001) than boys with the A1 − allele. The best predictors of substance use severity in boys with the A1 + allele were Psychoticism ( p = 0.01) and Negative Affect ( p = 0.04). The results provide support for the DRD2 A1 allele as a marker identifying a subgroup of COAs at high risk for developing substance use problems.
Published Version
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