SRE scores vary across several drinker characteristics. First, compared with men, women usually report needing fewer standard drinks for effects (indicating lower values for all SRE scores or a higher response per drink) (Cynders et al., 2016; Eng et al., 2005; Schuckit et al., 2012). This phenomenon is potentially related to a woman’s lower average weight and lower proportion of water-rich muscle tissue, as well as a slower rate of first-pass alcohol metabolism because of lower levels of alcohol dehydrogenase in their esophagus and stomach (Mumenthaler et al., 1999). Second, fewer drinks needed for effects (lower SRE-5 and/or SRE-T scores) are often seen in Asian, African, and Jewish individuals possibly reflecting an alcohol dehydrogenase variant (ADH1B) that might produce temporary higher levels of the stimulating alcohol metabolite, acetaldehyde (e.g., Monteiro & Schuckit, 1989; Pedersen & McCarthy, 2013). Third, the sensitivity per drink tends to increase in older individuals reflecting slower alcohol metabolism and higher brain sensitivity to depressant drugs, including alcohol (Barry & Blow, 2016). Despite these differences, the overall relationship of a lower LR value to heavier drinking and
