Each step of these studies of genetic influences for AUD also demonstrates the importance of the environment as well as gene-environment relationships. One example of data supporting the influence of environment is the finding that identical twins of individuals with AUD have only about a 60% risk for this disorder, not the 100% rate one would expect if genes explained the entire risk. Thus, it is important to study both genes and environment when looking for characteristics that might be helpful in early identification of the risk for repetitive alcohol problems or might reveal clues of ways to mitigate that risk.
