Investigation of individual differences showed that half of participants comprised a cluster group showing an association of hedonic effects (i.e., stimulation and liking) and AUD symptoms. The other half of the sample was equally divided among those showing liking and wanting, or wanting alone, as predictors. Therefore, incentive sensitization (wanting but not liking) was evident only among a quarter of the sample. If the theory is correct, with continued excessive drinking over a longer interval, more participants would likely be included in this cluster, and longer-term follow-up is underway. The cluster analysis approach revealed that sedation was not as highly associated with AUD as stimulating and rewarding effects. This individual difference approach complemented the GEE and trajectory group approach by elucidating individual differences in the relationships among the alcohol responses and AUD symptoms and underscore that the relationships of different alcohol response factors to future drinking problems is multifaceted.
