Latinos/Hispanics (hereafter, Latinos) are the largest and fastest-growing racial/ethnic minority group in the US, yet are grossly under-represented in genetics research on alcohol use [1]. This underrepresentation is of particular concern given evidence showing that Latinos are 1) at a greater risk of alcohol-related health problems at the same level of consumption as their White counterparts [2], an example being their elevated risk for alcohol-related liver disease [3], and 2) are more likely to experience recurrent or persistent alcohol dependence [4]. One presumed reason Latinos have not been the focus of many alcohol genetics studies is because of the admixture of their genetic background, which represents Native American, European, and African heritages [5]. However, González Burchard et. al. have noted this complexity presents an opportunity to better understand the influence of genetic, social, and environmental factors on differences in health outcomes [6]. When alcohol genetics research equitably represents Latinos, the advancements produced by such research, including advancements toward precision medicine, will be more applicable to Latinos.
