In conclusion, we report evidence of modest genetic influences on initial sensitivity to alcohol. Suggestive loci have not been previously implicated in alcohol outcomes, suggesting that the biology of sensitivity is not entirely parallel to that of alcohol consumption or problems. However, gene set analysis supports a role for core clock genes in initial sensitivity. Assessment of sensitivity is likely superior when conducted temporally proximal to initial alcohol experimentation; ideally, future studies will involve diverse samples such as that included here. Further investigation of loci identified in the current study is warranted to determine their impact and optimally arrange them in a comprehensive model of risk for alcohol misuse.
