Chunk #14 — A brief review of major methods used to evaluate alcohol reaction phenotypes — Two relevant LR phenotypes — Low LR — High stimulation with alcohol
Studies of high stimulation effects of alcohol often begin with non-alcohol dependent heavy drinkers and light drinkers, attempting to predict escalations in preexisting heavy episodic drinking and increases in alcohol problems. Consistent with those goals, some subjects are in their 30s and include individuals already engaged in heavy drinking. The stimulation effects have included higher subjective feelings of stimulation, especially in early phases of the rising BAC, greater liking and wanting more alcohol during challenges, and lower sedation and lower salivary cortisol later in the alcohol challenge. The more recent work indicated that both elevated stimulation and dampened sedation might be seen in heavier drinkers even earlier in alcohol administration.
