Also of theoretical importance, the indirect effects of family history and impulsivity operated through AO but not delay. The significant relationship between AO and impulsivity is consistent with arguments that AO may be a marker for underlying vulnerability to drinking (e.g., Prescott and Kendler, 1999). Conversely, delay predicted the alcohol-related outcomes but was not significantly associated with impulsivity or family history, suggesting that delay may represent an “alcohol-specific” risk factor that provides important additional information when assessed alongside AO. These results are also consistent with the notion that early intoxication contributes to future risk, in part, by negatively impacting brain development/function. Presumably, drinking to intoxication negatively impacts brain development universally, making it an unlikely correlate of underlying trait risk factors.
