Combining multiple international, longitudinal cohorts, we investigated genetic associations with stability and change in alcohol use behaviors across the lifespan. Polygenic scores were used to index multiple AUB-related dimensions, including externalizing behavior (EXT), alcohol Problems, alcohol Consumption, and a preference for drinking beer and drinking without meals (BeerPref). Despite their robust associations with AUBs on average, most PGSs were not associated with the dynamics of AUB trajectories. However, Problems PGSs significantly predicted a steeper slope of consumption frequency, indicating a genetically influenced acceleration of drinking that is relevant to the development of alcohol problems.
