Genetic differences in the alcohol metabolizing enzymes have been shown to make a significant contribution to alcohol dependence risk (Luczak et al., 2006; Li, 2000). One hypothesized mechanism by which these genetic differences influence alcohol use disorders is through differences in response to alcohol. Considerable research has demonstrated that individual differences in response to alcohol are genetically influenced (Heath et al., 1999) and related to risk for heavy alcohol use and alcohol dependence (e.g., Conrod et al., 2001; Schuckit & Smith, 2001).
