The Biology of Alcohol Dependence

Byung Ook Lee

doi:10.5124/jkma.2006.49.2.108

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Lee: The Biology of Alcohol Dependence

Special Issue

Alcoholism

Journal of the Korean Medical Association

Journal of the Korean Medical Association 2006; 49(2): 108-113.

Published online: 28 February 2006

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2006.49.2.108

The Biology of Alcohol Dependence

Byung Ook Lee, M.D.

Department of Psychiatry, National Health Insurance Corporation Ilsan Hospital, Korea. byungook@nhimc.or.kr

Abstract

Alcohol dependence (AD) is a chronically relapsing disease and has various biological etiologies. Neither genetics nor neurobiology explains the pathogenesis of AD exclusively. AD is a multifactorial disease. This article reviews the genetic and biological aspects of AD. Many candidate genes and neurotransmitters play important roles in AD. Further studies are needed to elucidate the biological mechanisms of AD. Also the treatment of AD should be individualized according to the patients's biological characteristics.

Keywords: Alcohol Dependence, Neurobiology, Genetics

Figures and Tables

Figure 1

Neurotransmitters involved in reward circuit of alcohol

Figure 2

Brain regions involved in reward system

Table 1

Result of genetic studies on neurotransmitters in alcohol dependence

Table 2

Action of alcohol and neurotransmitters

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