of their functions may be modified by epigenetic mechanisms, genetic variants cannot be changed by environmental factors; therefore, PRS provide a relatively unbiased estimation of genetic risk and may have utility in situations when family history or information on other risk factors are not available. Importantly, like family history, PRS can be evaluated prior to onset of the disorder, allowing individuals to assess their risk for AUD and make informed decisions about their alcohol use (e.g. high risk individuals may choose to abstain from drinking, preventing any possibility of developing AUD).
