Psychophysiological responses to stress following alcohol intake in social drinkers who are at risk of hazardous drinking

We examined whether social drinkers whose drinking behavior poses a risk for harmful consequences exhibit altered psychobiological responses to stress following moderate alcohol intake. At risk (n = 17) and low risk drinkers (n = 27), as identified by the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, completed two laboratory stress sessions, one in which they consumed a drink with alcohol and one without alcohol. Subjective and physiological measures were obtained throughout the study. Reported stimulation following alcohol consumption and sedation post-stress on alcohol day were greater than the no alcohol day in at risk drinkers (ps < .05). Low risk drinkers exhibited stress dampening effects on cortisol levels (p < .05). This was not the case among the high risk drinkers. These results indicate that acute alcohol intake may be associated with enhanced subjective and altered hormonal responses to stress in individuals who are at risk for becoming problem drinkers.

► We examined if reported alcohol intake behavior is linked to stress response.
► Participants were classified into high and low hazardous drinkers.
► They completed two laboratory stress sessions (with and without alcohol).
► At risk group reported increased subjective responses to alcohol consumption.
► At risk group showed altered hormonal response to stress following alcohol intake.