title: Familial alcoholism.
abstract: Certain forms of alcoholism have been shown to be familial and to be related to both genetic and environmental factors. Until a biological, genetic marker (or markers) can be identified, however, a careful family history will continue to be the only method of accurately diagnosing familial alcoholism. The family physician is in a unique position to make the diagnosis and to identify and selectively counsel family members at risk before alcohol consumption becomes a problem and, preferably, before drinking decisions are made.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged