Heredity and predictive testing of alcoholism: An exploratory study of the views of Dutch alcoholics, at-risk drinkers, and health care providers

Genetic knowledge and technologies are rapidly advancing. In order to translate this knowledge into public health interventions, it is essential to assess stakeholders' understanding, attitudes, and views. In this study we explored the views of 26 Dutch (former) alcoholics, at-risk drinkers, and substance abuse disorder service providers on the heredity of alcoholism and on predictive testing. Participants, recruited in two Dutch cities, were administered semi-structured interviews, which were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Our findings show a heterogeneous understanding of "alcoholism," risk prediction and interventions. Whereas service providers are skeptical towards predictive testing for alcoholism, self-identified alcoholics appear to be more positive. Alcoholics and risk drinkers categorize themselves into two distinct groups according to their perception of the role of heredity in the etiology of their alcohol abuse. Having a family history of substance abuse increased interest in having a genetic test. Our findings also indicate that knowledge of risk status does not automatically lead to an intention to change behavior. Health education and communication regarding the genetics of alcoholism should be targeted and tailored to the backgrounds and views of target groups.