Genetic variation can predict differing, ethnic specific, metabolic responses to alcohol consumption that influence the risk for developing AUD. Heritable personality traits such as impulsivity that predicts alcohol seeking behavior38 and anxiety / dysphoria that predicts drinking maintenance behavior39,40 may be useful for detecting genetic influences on vulnerability to AUD. Finally, genetic variation in neurobiological pathways, including stress-response systems, may influence vulnerability to the development of permanent neurological changes in response to heavy alcohol use. Likewise, genetic variation may determine increased vulnerability to relapse in response to stressors.41
