Chunk #5 — A brief review of major methods used to evaluate alcohol reaction phenotypes — Examples of measures of alcohol reactions across different populations
Our group focuses on identifying genetically-influenced characteristics that predict future binge drinking and alcohol problems in young, relatively light drinkers. We usually administer 0.75 ml ethanol/kg over 10 minutes as a single drink, with doses adjusted for height, weight, and sex, producing peak BACs of ~.06 gms/dl at about 60 minutes. Alcohol responses are measured every 15–30 minutes at rising, peak, and falling BACs using the Subjective High Assessment Scale (SHAS) and body sway. Some paradigms also include changes in prolactin, cortisol and/or adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH), electroencephalographic measures (EEGs), and/or functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) (e.g., Paulus et al., 2012; Schuckit, 1998). Other laboratories have used the Biphasic Alcohol Effects Scale (BAES) questionnaire instead of the SHAS. The BAES is a reliable 24 item self-report measure with good internal consistency that evaluates seven items each regarding sedation and stimulation during alcohol challenges
