The stress response system is of interest for drug reactions (Koob and Kreek, 2007), but has rarely been studied regarding alcohol sensitivity. Individuals with low LR or high stimulation demonstrate less intense increases in cortisol, ACTH, and/or prolactin during oral and IV alcohol challenges (King et al., 2006; Schuckit, 1998). Also, homozygotes for C-alleles of Corticotropin Releasing Hormone (CRH) receptor 1 (chromosome 8q13.1) rs1876831 and/or carriers of the rs242938 A-allele, have histories of higher maximum drinks per occasion (perhaps reflecting a lower LR per drink), more binge drinking, higher prevalence of drunkenness (e.g., Hansson et al., 2006; Hayes et al., 2005; Treutlein et al., 2006), and heavier drinking in response to negative life events (Blomeyer et al., 2008). More definitive studies of possible relationships of sensitivity to aspects of the alcohol effects on the HPA axis are needed.
