Primates in Alcohol Research

The genetic similarity to humans of nonhuman primates makes them well suited to serve as models of complex human disorders such as alcoholism. Like humans, nonhuman primates vary with respect to their alcohol consumption, even within the same species. Studies of the origins of high consumption among nonhuman primates have suggested that both genetic and environmental factors play a role in their drinking. In fact, researchers have found some support for multiple subtypes of alcoholism among nonhuman primates.