It has been observed that African Americans report higher rates of negative consequences related to drinking compared to European Americans (studies reviewed are detailed in Table 4); this finding is particularly noteworthy because it occurs even at lower levels of use. We propose that this occurs for several reasons. First, based on a relatively small number of genetic studies using laboratory analogue designs, it appears that some African Americans may have a higher biological sensitivity to alcohol, which results in a more intense reaction to alcohol at lower quantities of use (Ehlers et al., 2003; Pedersen & McCarthy, 2012). Their stronger reaction to alcohol may lead to more alcohol-related problems, because their quicker, more intense behavior changes could result in social disapproval, both within and outside the African American community. Second, as indicated by findings from both national and community based randomized samples, cultural norms within the African American community of limited alcohol use, low tolerance for intoxication, and conservative attitudes towards drinking may result in more negative social consequences from drinking from within their own racial group than is
