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Stimulant alcohol effects prime within session drinking behavior

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Abstract

Rationale

Individual differences in subjective alcohol effects have been shown to differ by risk status (e.g., family history of alcoholism) and to predict future risk for alcohol-related problems. Presumably, individual differences in both stimulant and sedative responses affect the rewarding value of drinking which, in turn, impacts future drinking behavior. Although plausible, this theoretical model is largely untested.

Objectives

The current study attempted to provide experimental evidence for the impact of subjective alcohol responses on within session drinking behavior.

Materials and methods

Using a placebo-controlled between-subjects alcohol administration paradigm, experiences and evaluations of stimulant and sedative alcohol effects (after a target dose of 0.06 g%) were assessed as predictors of ad-libitum consumption in the context of anticipatory stress.

Results

Analyses indicated that an initial dose of alcohol increased experiences of both stimulation and sedation although stimulant effects were evaluated much more positively. In addition, stimulant effects after a priming dose predicted further consumption, whereas sedative effects did not.

Conclusions

At least among moderate to heavy drinking college students, stimulant alcohol effects are more reinforcing and predict within session drinking behavior under social stress. Increased attention should be given to stimulant alcohol effects as a risk factor for excessive consumption in this population. Incorporating information about stimulant alcohol effects in prevention and intervention programs may also be important if additional research supports the current results.

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Acknowledgment

The authors extend their gratitude to the important contributions of Youngsuk Kim, M.A., Bryan Hartzler, Ph.D., Marc Kruse, M.A., Jason A. Roth, B.S. and a number of dedicated undergraduate research assistants. The experiment presented in this manuscript complied with all current US laws. The authors have no financial relationship with any of the agencies providing funding for the research presented in this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Yale University, 2 Hillhouse Ave, New Haven, CT, 06520–8205, USA

    William R. Corbin & Ashley Gearhardt

  2. Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA

    Kim Fromme

Authors
  1. William R. Corbin
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  2. Ashley Gearhardt
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  3. Kim Fromme
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to William R. Corbin.

Additional information

This research has been supported by grants from the Texas Commission of Alcohol and Drug Abuse (517-9-8444), the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (5T32-AA07471; RO1-AA11683) the Co-operative Society at The University of Texas at Austin, and the Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research.

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Corbin, W.R., Gearhardt, A. & Fromme, K. Stimulant alcohol effects prime within session drinking behavior. Psychopharmacology 197, 327–337 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-007-1039-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-007-1039-x

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