This study was designed to examine the differences in personality characteristics and impulsivity of male alcoholics according to their familial history of alcoholism. The clinical interview for demographic data, drinking history, and family history, and then, the MMPI, Impulsivity test, Cognitrone were performed in 75 psychiatric inpatients with alcohol dependence. The mean age for their first drinks was significantly younger and the average maximum amount consumed per drinking occasion was significantly greater in familial alcoholics than in nonfamilial alcoholics. The T-score of anti-social personality scale in MMPI was also significantly higher in familial alcoholics than in nonfamilial ones. However, there were no significant differences in the clinical scales of the MMPI or the scores on the Impulsivity test, and Cognitrone between familial alcoholics and nonfamilial ones except that some cognitive impairment was suggested in familial alcoholics. This study showed that familial alcoholics had a greater tendency for antisocial personality and the fine cognitive impairments, but not any more impulsivity compared to non-familial alcoholics. Therefore, differential treatment strategies according to familial alcoholic history will be needed.