Attentional bias for alcohol cues in heavy drinkers: the effects of perceived alcohol availability and acute alcohol intoxication

Field, M.
School of Psychology, University of Liverpool

Alcohol-related cues grab the attention in heavy drinkers. According to a recent theoretical model (Field & Cox, 2008) attentional bias (AB) develops through classical conditioning and it may lead to loss of control over alcohol consumption. In two recent studies, we tested specific predictions derived from the model. In the first study, we demonstrated that AB in heavy drinkers was mediated by the perceived availability of alcohol: AB was larger during trials when alcohol was expected compared to when it was not. Therefore, alcohol cues may elicit AB partly because they elicit an expectation of alcohol availability. In the second study, social drinkers received either a priming dose of alcohol (0.65g/kg) or a placebo in separate experimental sessions. AB was larger after alcohol administration, and these effects were largest among heavy drinkers. Increased AB in intoxicated heavy drinkers may contribute to loss of control over alcohol consumption during alcohol binges.

Symposium 11: Neural and behavioural correlates of addiction
11.06.2009, 16:00-17:00
Seminarraum 6