A comment is needed regarding the significant elevation in drug abuse and dependence but not alcohol abuse or dependence in these offspring selected for multiplex alcohol dependence. Greater availability of drugs in the offspring generation may have increased the likelihood that this generation would become dependent on drugs. Also, as these offspring move through young adulthood patterns of use it may be expected that patterns are likely to change with increased consumption of alcohol and decreased use of street drugs. Long term follow-up is ongoing to determine the type and pattern of alcohol and drug exposure and consequent dependence.
