Biological State Markers of Alcohol Abuse

B markers are among the most promising tools for the early diagnosis and treatment of alcohol­related problems. A biological marker is generally an abnor­ mal result of a blood test or other labora­ tory analysis, indicating the presence of an abnormal state or condition. This abnormal condition may refer to the presence of or susceptibility to a disease; it also may refer to an abnormal state brought about by exposure to a toxic substance, such as alcohol. Biological markers of alcohol abuse1 most often result from the excessive release of nor­ mal cell contents into the blood or urine. Laboratory signs of excessive and harm­ ful alcohol consumption can be divided into two main groups: trait markers and state markers. Trait markers are genetic, biochemical, or behavioral characteristics associated with a susceptibility to alcoholism. To be useful as trait markers, such characteris­ tics must be detectable throughout a person’s life—not only during drinking bouts but also during abstinence and prior