Preresponse cues reduce the impairing effects of alcohol on the execution and suppression of responses

Exp Clin Psychopharmacol. 2003 Feb;11(1):110-7. doi: 10.1037//1064-1297.11.1.110.

Abstract

The present study examined the effects of alcohol on the ability to execute and inhibit behavior in a context in which preliminary information signaled the likelihood that a response should be executed or suppressed. Social drinkers (N = 12) performed a cued go/no-go task that required quick responses to go targets and suppression of responses to no-go targets. Performance was tested under 3 doses of alcohol: 0.65 g/kg, 0.45 g/kg, and 0.0 g/kg (placebo). Alcohol had no effect on inhibition and execution when cues correctly signaled these actions. By contrast, alcohol impaired inhibition and execution in a dose-dependent manner when cues incorrectly signaled actions. These findings are consistent with a resource limitation account of alcohol impairment.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alcohol Drinking / psychology
  • Central Nervous System Depressants / blood
  • Central Nervous System Depressants / pharmacology*
  • Conditioning, Operant / drug effects*
  • Cues*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Ethanol / blood
  • Ethanol / pharmacology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Orientation
  • Reaction Time / drug effects

Substances

  • Central Nervous System Depressants
  • Ethanol