Studies on laboratory animals have found a relationship between impulsivity and alcohol-related behaviors. In one study, rats with higher impulsivity, indicated by steeper discounting of delayed rewards, consumed more alcohol. In mice, greater impulsivity was initially associated with lower alcohol-induced locomotor stimulation. However, with repeated alcohol exposure, these mice showed increased alcohol-induced locomotor activity. Impulsive discounting in rats had a broader association with alcohol use, while in mice, it correlated in the expected direction after repeated alcohol exposure. 

Alcohol use vulnerability and initiation in Animal models 

Research has indicated that individuals with weaker behavioral inhibition abilities may experience earlier onsets of drinking. In a particular study, women were subjected to immediate and delayed memory tasks, which assess response inhibition and passive avoidance. Those who began drinking at an early age exhibited higher rates of commission errors on these tasks compared to those who started drinking later. Furthermore, across the entire participant sample, there was a negative correlation between the age at first drink and commission errors on the delayed memory task. These findings suggest that challenges in behavioral inhibition are linked to early initiation of alcohol use, even among individuals without significant alcohol-related issues.

Alcohol use vulnerability and initiation in humans

Studies revealed a positive association between alcohol consumption and disinhibitory personality traits, as assessed by the KSP (Karolinska Scales of Personality). These traits include sensation seeking, characterized as a desire to avoid monotony and seek change and action, as well as impulsivity, defined as acting spontaneously without planning. Further research also found a connection between higher levels of discounting in a hypothetical money-reward task and alcohol-related problems, such as experiencing blackout episodes, among a sample of college students who engage in social drinking.

Current use and early indications of alcohol problems 

Impulsivity is strongly associated with problem alcohol use, including alcohol dependence and abuse. Longitudinal studies have shown that impulsivity, specifically novelty seeking, predicts the development of alcohol use disorders. Individuals with alcohol abuse or dependence tend to score higher on impulsivity measures, such as the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale. Moreover, alcohol-dependent individuals exhibit higher rates of delay discounting, which is the tendency to devalue delayed rewards, compared to non-alcohol-dependent individuals. These findings highlight the importance of impulsivity and delay discounting in understanding and addressing alcohol use disorders.

Impulsivity and Alcohol Use Disorders (AUDs) 

In order to understand AUD and alcohol use-related problems, one needs to understand the behavioral and biological indicators of impulsivity amongst the following three stages; 

-  Alcohol use vulnerability and initiation
-  Current use and early indications of alcohol problems
-  Alcohol use disorders (AUDs)

Alma College

Current research has emphasized the significance of impulsivity in understanding alcohol use and associated issues such as AUD. Impulsivity is a complex concept comprising multiple dimensions, some of which are influenced by biology and genetics.

Behavioral and Biological Indicators of Impulsivity in the
Development of Alcohol Use, Problems, and Disorders

Lejuez, C.W., et al. “Behavioral and Biological Indicators of Impulsivity in the Development of Alcohol Use, Problems, and Disorders.” Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 2010, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1530-0277.2010.01217.x. 

Learn Before

Related

Learn After