In conclusion, our results show that sensation seeking serves as an important indirect pathway linking genetic influences to alcohol use. Social support plays an important role in linking genetic risk to alcohol use, as well as buffering individuals’ risk predispositions in relation to alcohol use. Our findings emphasize the important role of intermediate phenotypes and gene-environment interplay, including both rGE and GxE processes, in the pathways of risk from genetic predispositions to complex alcohol use outcomes. Our results highlight the potential roles of sensation seeking and social support as targets for prevention and intervention efforts aimed at mitigating risk for alcohol use outcomes in adulthood.
