A positive genetic correlation was observed between alcohol consumption and years of schooling and college completion. Other studies have found an association with educational attainment and alcohol consumption. A study of individuals in the British Cohort Study found that educational attainment was linked to increased risk of daily alcohol consumption at age 34 years and that this was stronger in females.55 We also find a stronger genetic correlation with college completion in females compared with males (rG 0.33 vs 0.10). Another study on the British Cohort Study found mental ability at age 10 years was linked to increased alcohol consumption and alcohol problems at age 30 years.56 Childhood academic ability at age 11 years has been positively correlated with alcohol consumption in early adolescence.57 This relationship extends into older age as a link between alcohol consumption and cognitive ability in 70 year olds was observed in the Lothian Birth Cohort, although after correcting for socioeconomic status and childhood intelligence much of this association was attenuated.58
