The need for higher amounts of alcohol for various effects (or a low LR per drink) has a heritability of 40% to 60%, with additional influences and environment contributing to the remainder of the risk (Schuckit, 2009; Heath et al., 1999). For some genetically influenced characteristics impacting on the AUD risk, especially those where many genes with small effects are likely to operate, there are advantages to looking beyond genes to see what additional prevention approaches might be appropriate (Paynter et al., 2010). This consideration contributed to the development of models that include genetically influenced characteristics (or phenotypes), life experiences, and drinking status, which have been tested for several potentially independent risk factors, including externalizing characteristics, mood disturbances, as well as the low LR to alcohol (Sher et al., 2005; Ohannessian and Hesselbrock, 2008; Schuckit and Smith, 2006).
