Additional studies have highlighted the potential impact of premorbid genetically-influenced traits on the course of AUDs over time, including remission or failure to remit. It has been hypothesized that certain biologically-influenced factors predict both the development of problem drinking as well as a severe course of alcohol problems over time, especially regarding impulsivity or behavioral dyscontrol (Penick et al., 2010; Sher et al., 2005; Tarter et al., 2004). Other genetically-influenced premorbid characteristics, such as the low level of response (LR) to alcohol and FH of AUDs, may also relate to the development of AUD and, potentially, their remission. Because LR does not reflect the externalizing traits that often carry poor prognoses for AUDs and other life problems (Finn et al., 2005; Hussong et al., 2004), developing a substance-related disorder in the context of a low alcohol response may be associated with a higher chance of remission than is seen in individuals carrying other types of biologically-based predispositions. Therefore, the course of the development of AUDs and remission from alcohol problems are likely to relate to a wide range of factors, and might be best understood from a long term longitudinal study that includes evaluations of several characteristics simultaneously.
