This meta-analytic review of three decades of research found some support for each of the two major theories of subjective response to alcohol. First, the results of FH comparisons largely matched the predictions of the LLRM. Specifically, FH+ groups experienced reduced overall subjective response relative to FH− groups. This difference did not appear to differ as a function of the stimulant or sedative effects of alcohol, although it was more statistically reliable on the descending limb of the BAC curve (i.e., the acute tolerance effect). Finally, the difference was most evident among men. FH+ men responded more than half a standard deviation less than did FH− men, but this association was diminished when women were included in comparisons. In sum, FH+ men displayed a lower overall level of response to alcohol, just as predicted by the LLRM, and we found no evidence of greater response among FH+ groups under any conditions.
