For many people, alcohol is a part of their lives—having fun with friends, celebrations or for relaxation. But when alcohol use begins worsening people’s lives or their health, it is no longer something to take lightly. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, alcohol use disorder is a medical condition when a patient’s drinking causes distress or harm. The consequences of too much drinking can range from violence to increased risk for some cancers or a shortened lifespan. But what makes drinking alcohol more risky for some people than others?
Research proves that everyone responds differently to alcohol. Researchers are now trying to learn why. On a basic level, it is a combination of different factors—people’s sex, age, where they drink, family history and how healthy they are. Research is beginning to suggest that there might be some difference in how alcohol affects people of different races or ethnicities. Sarah Pedersen, PhD, assistant professor of psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, says that research has shown that whether people are sensitive to alcohol is based somewhat on their genes. “We know which genetic proteins break down alcohol in our systems and that they can change how bodies process alcohol,” she said. “For instance, in people of Asian descent, if they have this genetic sensitivity to alcohol, they’ll get flushed, hot or really sick when they drink. It’s actually a protective reaction. Drinking makes them sick, so these people tend not to drink heavily.”
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