In a sample of families densely affected by alcohol use disorder, we found evidence for genetic nurture effects. Both transmitted and nontransmitted alleles were associated with increased risk of exposure to parental relationship discord and divorce, which were in turn associated with riskier alcohol outcomes ranging from earlier age at initiation to likelihood of developing alcohol use disorder symptoms. Genetic nurture effects were more pronounced in EA families than in AA families. The results underscore that the genetic risk for alcohol problems may be transmitted across generations “beyond the skin” through exposure to adverse family experiences.
