dependence, it is characterized by withdrawal, craving, and tremors and often a complete inability to control or curb drinking (Kissin, 1972).One postulation by researchers and theorists is that there is a distinct psychopathology associated with alcoholism that allows an otherwise non-functional individual to feel secure enough to participate in society. Partanen et. al. (1966) found correlation between emotional instability and the likelihood of developing alcohol abuse problems. Another theory suggests that alcoholism is a conflict between dependence and interdependence. This idea continues along the same lines submitting that one of the possible reasons for a lower incidence of alcoholism among females is an acceptance of dependency on their part due to societal conditioning (Kissen and Barry, 1972). The Heredity of AlcoholismChildren of alcoholic parents have been found to be 3 to 5 times more likely to themselves become alcoholics (Steen, 1996). This number is influenced by many factors independent of heredity, however the genetic basis for alcoholism is widely believed and studied in hopes of finding a concrete example to better understand and treat the disease. It has been estimated that genetics account for 50- 60 % of the risk for alcoholism (Roebuck and Kessler, 1972). One significant way that the genetic basis for alcoholism has been demonstrated is with twin studies. One of the twin studies examined here took place in Finland in 1966 to determine the inheritance of the tendency to use alcoholic beverages. The Finland study consisted only of male twins; both monozygotic and dizygotic pairs were used. These twins had been raised together in most cases and therefore the information given must be considered as having been influenced by environment. The study determined a considerable degree of heritablility in the areas of density and amount of alcohol consumed but saw little correlation in the fields of lack of con...
