GABA, the body’s major inhibitory neurotransmitter, is associated with the sedating effects of alcohol consumption and the development of alcohol tolerance (Hiller-Sturmhöfel & Swartzwelder, 2004). GABRA2, the gene that encodes one of the subunits of GABAA receptors, has been widely studied as a candidate gene for AUDs although there is inconsistency across studies as to which allele confers increased risk (Enoch, 2008).
