are more stable in adulthood and alcohol problems are more evident compared to the youth population. 125 subjects (51 females) had a DSM-IV lifetime alcohol dependence/abuse diagnosis and 170 (116 females) did not have this diagnosis. All subjects were unrelated and represent parents and/or partners. The great majority were of Caucasian origin, with 3.0% (9) of other ethnicity (1 African American, 2 Native American and 6 Hispanic-Caucasian). All subjects were extensively assessed at 3-year intervals with behavioral and alcohol measures appropriate for age. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants after the nature of the study had been explained to them; the protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board at the University of Michigan.
