The environmental influences examined across these studies were considered, based on our organizational framework in Figure 1, for their representation of the mechanisms of social controls and triggers and our three levels of environmental influence (social network, community, and societal). In the sections below, we provide an overview of the environmental influences covered. Additionally, Table 2 presents relevant key findings for the genetic and environment effects studied and their inter-relationships. These studies point to some inconsistencies and mixed findings that underscore the need for further replication and other empirical support. There may be many reasons for these differences11, which are perhaps unsurprising based on the earlier challenges discussed (e.g., sample size, variations in phenotypic measures). Alcohol use in some population groups could also be less affected by certain genetic or environmental factors, including when samples involve younger subjects early in their development of drinking behaviors35. Regardless, this research does provide an important foundation for evolving the dialogue in this area. These initial studies hopefully will serve to generate other investigations of G–E relationships in diverse racial/ethnic population groups.
