Background
γ-Aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors, the major inhibitory neurotransmitter receptors in the brain, are implicated in the acute and chronic effects of alcohol, including tolerance, dependence and withdrawal. Various polymorphisms in the gene encoding the GABAA receptor α2 subunit (GABRA2) have been associated with alcoholism and with antisocial behavior in different populations of European ancestry. As early onset of alcoholism often reflects greater severity, including a higher risk for recurrence, comorbid antisocial personality disorder and conduct disorder, Cloninger’s classification distinguishes type II alcoholism with an early onset, elevated levels of antisocial behavior and delinquency, from the type I alcoholism with a late onset, neurotic symptoms and minimal criminality.