Among these risk factors, one of the most well-studied is the low LR to alcohol, where an individual needs to consume more alcohol than the average person to feel the same intoxicating effects. In addition to requiring a greater amount of alcohol, Piasecki et al. (2012) found that individuals with low LR are also less likely to experience the negative effects of alcohol associated with a hangover. Low LR is strongly genetically influenced and impacts risk for alcohol problems both directly, through increased alcohol consumption and binge drinking, and indirectly, through a number of environmental mediators (Schuckit 2009; Schuckit et al., 2012). A theoretical model of the relationship between low LR, peer drinking influences, alcohol expectancies, stress coping strategies, and long-term alcohol outcomes is detailed by Schuckit et al. (2011; 2012). Because of its strong associations with heavy alcohol consumption and alcohol problems, as well as its potential to be influenced by modifiable environmental factors, LR presents a viable target for personalized prevention and intervention efforts.
