Genetics of Alcoholism The Home Page of the Human Genetics Research Group at: The Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center Department of Neurology University of California, San Francisco This web site will provide opportunities for participation in our studies and current information about our research. Participation in our studies We are seeking very heavy drinkers or alcoholics, either still drinking or in recovery, without a primary addiction to another substance to participate in a genetic study on alcoholism. The study entails a blood draw, an interview about alcohol and drug use, and some personality tests. It takes about 3 hours. In order to participate, you must be willing to provide your relatives names and addresses so that the researchers can contact them to ask them to be in the study. The interview can take place at San Francisco General Hospital, at your home (if you live in the Bay Area), or by telephone and mail (if you live elsewhere). There is no direct benefit to you, but we hope that there will eventually be societal benefit. Discovery of a genetic marker for alcoholism may be extremely useful in understanding, preventing, and treating alcoholism. Participants are compensated with $30.00 cash immediately following the study session. Interested in participating? Need more information? Contact Dr. Kirk Wilhelmsen at: kirk@wildtype.ucsf.edu or Cassi Vieten at: cassi@itsa.ucsf.edu or call toll-free (888)-805-UCSF(8273) for more information. Information about our research Dr's. Kirk Wilhelmsen, Ivan Diamond and their colleagues at the Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center, a division of the Department of Neurology at UCSF, are currently conducting a genetic study on alcohol consumption. The primary aim of this study is to identify genetic loci that affect patterns of alcohol consumption. In this study, we will collect DNA samples and information from families affected by alcoholism. We will use these samples to attempt to find a genetic marker or markers for alcoholism. We will also collect data about individuals' medical history, and alcohol and drug use history, and personality. The personality data will be used to investigate the interaction of personality, genetics, and alcoholism. The best data available suggest that an individual's pattern of alcohol consumption is strongly influenced by genetic factors. This is based on both twin studies and family aggregation studies. It is our premise that the only way to conclusively demonstrate that there are genetic factors involved in the etiology of alcoholism is to map these genetic factors to discrete chromosome locations. We believe that identification of these loci will greatly improve the understanding, prevention, and treatment of alcoholism. As of 5/27/98 you are visitor #2408 Return to Top of This Page Return to Gallo Center Home Page