A low level of response (LR) to alcohol, a measure of the intensity of reaction to alcohol as evaluated by either alcohol challenges or a self-report questionnaire regarding the number of standard drinks needed for a range of effects, is an important predictor of the future development of alcohol dependence (AD) (Schuckit et al., 1997a). AD is associated with considerable morbidity and affects about 12.5% of the U.S. population during their lifetime (Hasin and Grant, 2015). Typically, individuals who experience fewer intoxicating or sedating effects of alcohol are more likely to escalate their drinking behaviors (Schuckit et al., 2012). Thus, low LR has been related to future problems with alcohol primarily via heavy consumption (Schuckit et al., 2012), even after accounting for histories of heavy drinking (Schuckit et al., 2008b) and family history (Schuckit and Smith, 2000). Multiple putative pathways including overly positive expectations of the effects of alcohol, heavier peer drinking, and using alcohol to cope with stress (Schuckit et al., 2012) have also been found to contribute to the heightened risk for AD in those with low LR.
