Serotonin Transporter Promoter Polymorphism and Differences in Alcohol Consumption Behaviour in a College Student Population

AIMS AND METHODS: In the present study, differences in alcohol consumption behaviour associated with the presence of the short variant (S) of the serotonin transporter promoter polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) was investigated in a Caucasian subset (n = 204) of 268 college students. RESULTS: Students who were homozygous for the S allele were more likely to engage in binge-drinking behaviour, drank more alcohol per occasion, and reported drinking to get drunk more often. CONCLUSIONS: In this Caucasian sample, the 5-HTTLPR strongly influences alcohol consumption in late pubescence.