GABA receptor genes have a clear relationship to alcohol dependence. GABA transmission mediates effects of alcohol, including disruption of motor coordination, anxiolysis, sedation, ethanol preference, and symptoms related to withdrawal.25 Furthermore, rat models have shown GABAA agonists increase ethanol intake and GABAA antagonists decrease ethanol intake.26 Although GABA subunit genes and alcohol-metabolizing genes have been genetically associated with alcohol dependence, the biologic mechanism is different in each case.
