Risk Factors for Stress-induced Alcohol Misuse: Genetic Predictors and Mediation by Personality Type

Personality and Genotypic Markers That Predict Individual Differences in Susceptibility to Stress-induced Alcohol Misuse: a Feasibility Study.

To examine whether variation in 'risk-taking' personality and linked genetic variants predicts susceptibility to, and resilience against, stress-induced alcohol misuse.

Alcohol misuse is a global health issue responsible for over 1 million hospital admissions per annum in the UK with a combined cost of approximately £21 billion. Chronic alcohol misuse in patients who attend hospital for alcohol-related illness/injury is common, with relapse and recidivism almost ubiquitous. Patients often report that 'stress' was a catalyst for their drinking episodes, but we do not know exactly who is most at risk, how stress leads to drinking, or the genetic basis for this risk. This research aims to seek to identify patients at higher risk of stress-induced alcohol misuse, or who are more resilient to stress in this context, using a combination of analyses ranging from genetic variants to personality tests and clinical follow-up. The ultimate goal is that patients engaging with alcohol services can receive personalised and focussed treatment and enhance recovery

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male or Female, aged (min) 18 years
• Attended Portsmouth Hospitals University Trust following illness/injury related to alcohol use
• Has a maximum AUDIT score of 15
• Is willing and able to comply with study procedures
• Willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study.
• Must be recruited within 24 hrs of ASNS referral, and able to be tested within 48 hours of referral

Exclusion Criteria:

ny reported/suspected intellectual/learning disabilities (e.g., Down's Syndrome), neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., Autism, Asperger's) or acquired brain injury

• Has previously participated in this study
• Should not be under the influence of alcohol during the study (12hrs previous to taking part) - to be determined via breathalyser.
• Any history of advanced liver disease (clinical diagnosis of cirrhosis, jaundice, encephalopathy, ascites, variceal haemorrhage)