Researchers and addiction specialists are well aware that genetic factors play an important role in any given person’s chances of developing a physical dependence on alcohol (i.e., alcoholism). However, the factors involved are complex, and no one fully understands all of the specific genetic combinations that can increase your risk. In a study published in July 2014 in the journal Psychiatric Genetics, a team of British researchers looked at the potential influence of a relatively common variation in a specific gene, called GRM3, on alcoholism risks. The researchers concluded that the variation in question sharply increases risk, not only for alcoholism, but also for certain forms of severe mental illness.