Alcohol-induced facial flushing and drinking behavior in Japanese men.

The drinking behavior and alcohol-induced facial flushing of 1646 Japanese men (50.9% flushers and 48.0% nonflushers) were analyzed from questionnaires completed by their wives. The results indicate a relationship between flushing and various indices of sensitivity to alcohol and low rates of alcohol-related problems. It is proposed that alcohol-induced flushing acts as an inhibitory factor against excessive alcohol use and consequent problems due to drinking.