These associations have spurred the search for a binge-drinking gene. College students with the short version of the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTT) consumed more alcohol per occasion, more often drank expressly to become inebriated, and were more likely to engage in binge drinking than college students without the 5-HTT variant (Herman, Philbeck, Vasilopoulos, & Depetrillo, 2003). The 5-HTT gene is thought to be involved in serotonin reuptake, and the students who were homozygotic for the short version of 5-HTT were more likely to report troublesome drinking patterns. Students with at least one copy of the 5-HTT long variant gene consume fewer alcoholic drinks per episode but are equal in the number of episodes. Individuals who are homozygous for the short version are also at risk for higher levels of anxiety and depression and may use alcohol to reduce tension (Mazzanti et al., 1998).
