Genetics influence early initiation of alcohol use, while environmental factors play a greater role in differences in frequency of consumption once drinking begins, according to a Dutch study involving twins.

Sales of premium beers are down and more drinkers are buying cheaper brands as economic woes hit Americans in the wallet, according to Miller Brewing Co.

British researchers say that drinkers often fail to understand how many units of alcohol are contained in the drinks they consume and don't know the government's daily recommended consumption limits.

An analysis of sealed, 100-year-old bottles of the infamous spirit absinthe found that the drink, while containing a potent amount of alcohol, has no other ingredients that could explain its reputation for causing hallucinations.

A new cigarette vending machine under development in Japan would use face-recognition technology to spot underage buyers by their lack of wrinkles and sagging skin.