Relationships between impulsivity and subjective response in an IV ethanol paradigm

Abstract

Rationale: Impulsivity and individual differences in subjective response to alcohol are risk factors for alcohol problems and possibly endophenotypes for alcohol dependence. Few prior studies have addressed relationships between the two constructs. Objectives: To predict subjective responses to ethanol, we tested self-reported impulsiveness, ethanol dose condition (high dose, low dose or placebo) and time (7 timepoints) along with interactions among these variables. Methods: The present study is a secondary analysis of data from a within subject, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging ethanol administration study using IV infusion with a clamping technique to maintain steady-state breath alcohol concentration. The sample consisted of healthy, non-alcohol dependent social alcohol drinkers between the ages of 21-30 (N=105). Participants at varying levels of impulsivity were compared with regard to stimulant and subjective responses to three ethanol dose conditions over time. Results: Individuals with higher impulsivity reported stronger stimulant and weaker sedative response to alcohol, particularly at the higher dose. Higher impulsivity was associated with a steeper increase in stimulant effects during the first half of clamped ethanol infusion with the higher dose. Conclusions: These results suggest that impulsive individuals may experience enhanced reinforcing, stimulant effects and relatively muted aversive, sedative effects from alcohol. These subjective responses may relate to enhanced risk of alcohol problems among more impulsive individuals.

Application of an alcohol clamp paradigm to examine inhibitory control, subjective responses, and acute tolerance in late adolescence.

“…Findings also showed that ADHD symptoms predicted steeper increases in stimulation, but only on the ascending limb. In contrast to prior studies of sensation seeking and related personality traits (e.g., Erblich & Earleywine, 2003; Fillmore, et al, 2009; Leeman, et al, 2014; Scott & Corbin, 2014), sensation seeking did not moderate changes in subjective stimulation. Because the association of subjective stimulant or sedative effects with motivational indicators (e.g., craving, wanting) may have etiological relevance (King, et al, 2011), further laboratory studies of these associations, including the examination of individual or pharmacological (e.g., BAC limb) moderators, is likely important.…”

Impulsivity Moderates Subjective Responses to Alcohol in Alcohol-Dependent Individuals

“…Additionally, greater impulsivity was associated with increases in positive mood over the course of rising BrAC and as compared to the placebo. Our findings extend the work of Leeman et al (2014) by using a behavioral measure of impulsivity to demonstrate the association between impulsivity and SR in a sample of participants with AD. Furthermore, our results indicate that highly impulsive individuals with AD experience substantial increases in stimulation and hedonic reward during alcohol administration, suggesting that their alcohol consumption produces rewarding effects.…”

“…By comparison, low impulsive individuals with AD may be less sensitive to the hedonic effects of alcohol, suggesting that alternative factors may influence the drinking behavior of these individuals. Whereas Leeman et al (2014) administered a self-report measure of impulsivity, the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (Patton et al, 1995), we used the DDT, a behavioral measure of impulsivity that may be less vulnerable to self-report bias. Given the mixed evidence regarding associations between self-report and behavioral measures of impulsivity, the high level of consistency between these data and those reported by Leeman et al (2014) suggests that the association between impulsivity and SR is generalizable and robust to protocol changes (i.e.…”

“…Considered together, the aforementioned studies suggest that relationships between impulsivity and SR in social drinkers are poorly understood and contingent upon study design and measurement tools. Leeman et al (2014) were the first to examine impulsivity and SR in social drinkers at precise alcohol concentrations in a highly controlled environment. They achieved this by using an intravenous (IV) alcohol clamping method, which reduces some sources of variability in absorption rate and facilitates the maintenance of target BrACs enabling experimenters to better control alcohol exposure to the brain.…”

“…They achieved this by using an intravenous (IV) alcohol clamping method, which reduces some sources of variability in absorption rate and facilitates the maintenance of target BrACs enabling experimenters to better control alcohol exposure to the brain. The IV alcohol clamping method enabled Leeman et al (2014) to test SR at low (0.04 g/dl) and high (0.10 g/dl) BrACs while minimizing sources of pharmacokinetic variability and responses to alcohol-related cues. More impulsive individuals were more responsive to the stimulant and less responsive to the sedative effects of both alcohol doses.…”