The models critically differ in that the DM but not the LLRM predicts greater response to alcohol among FH+ individuals on the ascending limb of the BAC curve. In studies that included measurements (stimulant, sedative, or other) on the ascending limb, there was a small, non-significant, negative effect of FH+ on subjective response, g = −0.20 (95% CI: −0.48, 0.07), along with significant between-study variability, Qwithin(11) = 22.23, p = .02, I2 = 50.52. See Table 3. The weighted mean effect on the descending limb was similar in size, g = −0.20 (95% CI: −0.39, −0.01), although the effect was statistically significant (i.e., different from zero) and did not significantly vary across studies, Qwithin(14) = 16.28, p = .30, I2 = 14.02. However, the fail-safe N for the descending limb was only three. In sum, limiting comparisons to the ascending and descending limbs provided some support for the LLRM but not for the acute sensitization component of the DM, in that FH+ groups did not report greater response on the ascending limb.
