Impulsivity, a well-known risk factor predicting negative outcomes, refers broadly to a
proclivity towards rapid action with a suboptimal regard for future consequences.
Importantly, impulsivity is a multidimensional construct incorporating generalized and
behavioral facets. However, underlying mechanisms linking facets of impulsivity to high-risk
drinking remain uncertain. Such mechanisms, if uncovered, may be more appropriate
intervention targets than impulsivity directly.
Similar to impulsivity, subjective response to alcohol (SR), or individual differences in
sensitivity to the pharmacologic effects of alcohol, is an established risk factor for
alcohol use disorder. Specifically, experiencing heightened rewarding stimulation and
dampened aversive sedation from alcohol are related to high-risk drinking. Theory and recent
findings indicate SR and impulsivity may be related, suggesting SR may be a mechanism linking
facets of impulsivity to high-risk drinking. However, findings linking impulsivity to SR were
all from secondary data analyses and most studies reported on only a single measure of
impulsivity. For these reasons, an original data collection using laboratory alcohol
administration methods is needed to address which facets of impulsivity are related to SR
among young adult drinkers and whether these effects manifest while blood alcohol
concentrations are increasing or declining.
This study will utilize a laboratory alcohol administration design to investigate whether
distinct facets of impulsivity (i.e., generalized, choice, response) are related to
subjective responses (i.e., stimulation and sedation) following alcohol administration.
Phase:
Early Phase 1
Details
Lead Sponsor:
University of Florida
Collaborators:
American Psychological Association National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)