Problem:
A role for genetics in the development of substance use disorders is largely acceptable to researchers and clinicians working in the field today. Reviews of the evidence from twin and adoption studies report that the heritability of alcohol use disorders averages 0.5 to 0.6 with estimates ranging from 0.3 to 0.8 for other substances. Comparable heritability estimates are also reported for a host of sub-clinical, substance use behaviors and outcomes, including age of onset and patterns of use. Other studies report that the first-degree relatives (i.e., siblings, parents, and offspring) of individuals with substance use disorders experience a 4- to 8-fold increase in the risk of developing the disorder themselves. Need Assignment Help?