Abstract
Overconsumption of alcohol is a major problem in western society. Why do people drink excessively despite overwhelming negative consequences? Choosing to drink is determined by the several psychological systems undergirding any motivated behavior. Drinkers’ expectations of stronger positive and weaker negative affect from drinking are the most proximal determinant of their choice to drink. More distal systems will have previously determined the nature of these expectations, such as previous biochemical reactions to alcohol, relevant personality traits, and rewards or punishments for drinking imposed by the person’s social context. Knowing these motivational determinants of excessive drinking provides insight into how to help people overcome their motivation to drink. Two kinds of interventions have evolved from the motivational model of alcohol use. One intervention trains drinkers to divert their attention away from alcohol stimuli in the environment, thereby aiming to reduce their craving for alcohol. The other intervention helps drinkers find emotional satisfaction through healthy goal pursuits, thereby reducing their need for alcohol. Promising results have been obtained with both of these interventions.
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