In cultures with higher alcohol dehydrogenase levels, individuals can drink more without feeling sick, which can lead to higher rates of alcoholism due to increased consumption.

Regular alcohol consumption can lead to inflammation in the brain and body, increasing the desire to drink more and exacerbating health issues.

Tolerance to alcohol develops as repeated exposure reduces its effects, leading to increased consumption to achieve the same feeling of well-being.

Genetic predispositions, combined with environmental factors, contribute to the likelihood of developing alcohol use disorders. Certain Asian cultures have genetic differences that lead to low levels of alcohol dehydrogenase, causing individuals to feel sick and flushed when they consume alcohol.

Genetic differences can predispose individuals to alcoholism and affect how they metabolize alcohol, especially in young people.

Alcohol consumption can lead to long-term changes in neural circuitry and hormone systems, resulting in increased baseline stress and lower mood overall.

Regular drinking alters the neural circuits that control habitual and impulsive behavior, making individuals more impulsive even when not drinking.

Delaying the onset of drinking can reduce the likelihood of developing alcohol use disorder, even for those with genetic predispositions.

Chronic drinking, even if not daily, can lead to a decrease in top-down inhibition, resulting in heightened impulsivity and habitual behavior.