Drinking and Genetics Illustration (IMAGE) Washington University School of Medicine Caption An international team of researchers has identified a gene that regulates how quickly the body metabolizes alcohol as a key risk factor for alcohol dependence. The researchers, from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and several other institutions, also linked genetic factors associated with alcohol dependence to other psychiatric disorders. Credit Illustration by Michael Worful Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.