In conclusion, we examined the influence of a robust genetic factor that has direct effects on alcohol consumption and a well-validated environmental risk factor on informative alcohol outcomes in a large general population sample of adult Israeli Jews. This study provides evidence for the interaction between the genetic variant (ADH1B-rs1229984) and early adversity on alcohol-related phenotypes, and proposes a role for the interaction within the multi-factorial progression from initiation of alcohol use to disorder. Since individuals with pervasive environmental risks (e.g. childhood adversity) are more susceptible to the psychological, environmental and genetic factors that promote the progression to AUDs, prevention efforts should target development of healthy and effective alternative coping strategies to stress-related drinking among vulnerable individuals.
