ALDH2 and alcohol dependence: Additionally, the relationship between gene polymorphisms in alcohol-metabolizing enzymes and the risk of alcohol-related health problems includes the risk of developing acute alcohol intoxication with inactive ALDH2. Alcohol dehydrogenase 1B carriers (ADH1B * 1 / * 1 genotype) have been reported to be at increased risk of alcohol dependence [2], as well as an increased risk of head and neck cancer due to excessive alcohol consumption [6–8].