The search for both genetic and
environmental risk factors includes both human population genetics
investigation, as well as studies involving animal models.
Specifically, selected animal strains are used to model the endo-
and intermediate phenotypes involved in the development of human
alcohol dependence. While animal models of alcohol tolerance and
alcohol preference have been developed in the past, refinement of
current models is still required in order for them to more closely
parallel those features of the clinical syndrome phenotype,
including modeling such contributing traits as anxiety, propensity
for relapse, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors such as craving.
