Alcohol dependence (alcoholism) is a major health and social issue affecting 4-5% of the United States population at any given time (Li et al., 2007), with a lifetime prevalence of 12.5% (Hasin et al., 2007). Alcohol dependence is characterized by serious problems in multiple domains. Family, twin and adoption studies have consistently demonstrated a substantial genetic contribution to disease etiology (Kendler et al., 1994; McGue, 1999; Nurnberger et al., 2004; Pickens et al., 1991). Alcohol dependence is a complex disease in which both genetic and environmental factors affect susceptibility.
