NIH-funded research using twin and adoption studies shows that siblings exert a greater environmental influence on a person’s risk for future substance use and other related disorders than was previously believed, whereas parents’ influence over this risk is more genetic than environmental.
The research was supported by NIDA, NIAAA, and NIMH. For a copy of the study, go to http://archpsyc.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1731663.
For more information, contact the NIDA press office at media@nida.nih.gov or 301-443-6245.