The focus of this study was to identify a set of variables that could reliably alert clinicians to those clients likely to have family history positive (FHP) so that individualized and family-specific treatment plans could be developed and enhanced. The study subjects were adults at a Pacific Northwest community-based agency, which specializes in treatment of AOD abusing adults. The data were drawn from the case files of 653 adult clients enrolled in an outpatient treatment program during the last 5 years. The primary data collection instruments were the 45-minute Client Substance Index and an interview. The results showed that the AOD abusing adult with FHP was likely to be approximately 34 years old, White, single or divorced, been referred by the court, and been charged with driving under the influence. The AOD abusing male with FHP was likely to have a father with AOD abuse. The AOD abusing female with FHP was likely to have a father with AOD abuse, a mother with AOD abuse, and one or more grandparents with AOD abuse. The goal of this study was to begin to create a profile of client characteristics that distinguish between AOD abusing adults with and without FHP. More detailed profiles would provide a composite picture that more effectively distinguishes those likely to have FHP. The results suggest the importance of targeting a combination of characteristics and not on a single variable. The findings suggest the need to create separate risk profiles for alcohol or other drug abusing males and females as different factors appear to be associated with the likelihood of a history of family AOD abuse in males as compared to females. Data routinely collected by community-based treatment centers can be used to sensitize clinicians to characteristics that suggest the need for gender and family specific assessment, inquiry, and treatment. 4 tables, 41 references