This review article reviews contemporary information about genetics of alcohol dependence. This review summarizes family, twin and adoption studies, also association studies. It exist genetic variability in the alcohol metabolism, in mediation of re ward systems. Studies about genetic determination of the treatment possibility and effectivity are very hopeful. Heritability accounts for approximately 50 % of the interindividual variation in vulnerability to alcohol dependence. But there are many inconsistencies in this field, future research is needed.

Key words: alcohol dependency – genetics – family studies – twin studies – adoption studies – association studies – candidate genes