Genetic variation and self-rated effects of alcohol in a French young adult sample

The authors of a paper published in Risk Management and Healthcare Policy say that low sensitivity to the effects of alcohol is influenced by genes and predicts risk for harmful alcohol use and alcohol use disorder (AUD). Alcohol induces effects partly by modulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors type A (GABAARs). Their research investigated the relationship between genetic variation in GABAAR subunit genes and individual alcohol sensitivity among French university students.
The study involved 1,409 French university students (34.5% women; mean age 20.3 years). Alcohol sensitivity was measured by the Self-Rating of the Effects of Alcohol Scale (SRE). SRE-scores from initial drinking, regular drinking, and heavy drinking were investigated for correlations with alcohol consumption and for associations with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in GABAAR subunit genes (GABRA2, GABRG2, GABRA6).
The researchers replicated correlations between low alcohol sensitivity and high alcohol consumption. They further found an association between the minor allele in rs211014 (GABRG2) and higher SRE-scores, linked to dizziness and motor incoordination. Genetic variation in GABRG2 has previously been associated with processes involving motor coordination (alcohol withdrawal, febrile- and epileptic seizures).
The study results suggest that genetic variation in GABRG2 may influence alcohol sensitivity, which could inform strategies for assessing risk for harmful alcohol use and AUD.
Source: Moe JS, Bramness JG, Bolstad I, Mørland JG, Gorwood P, Ramoz N. (2025) Association between GABRG2 and self-rating of the effects of alcohol in a French young adult sample. Risk Manag Health Policy, 18:291-304.