The effect of response inhibition and perceived availability on cue-elicited craving for alcohol in social drinkers

Abstract

Previous research has demonstrated a role for impulsivity and perceived availability of the substance in cue-elicited craving. However, their effects on cue-elicited craving for alcohol are still ambiguous. Most important, there has been no empirical evidence for the potential interaction of these factors on alcohol craving. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of response inhibition and perceived availability on cue-elicited craving for alcohol in social drinkers. Participants were light-to-moderate social drinkers ( n = 75) who were exposed to neutral- and alcohol-related stimuli during a single laboratory session. Response inhibition was assessed with the Stop Signal Task. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two perceived availability groups ( n = 37, expecting alcohol; n = 38, not expecting alcohol). Cue-elicited craving for alcohol was higher in the alcohol than in the neutral condition. Additionally, it was found that overall craving (baseline + exposure) for alcohol was higher in participants who expected alcohol than in those who did not. However, this finding was statistically significant only in the alcohol condition. Most important, there was a significant interaction between response inhibition, perceived availability, and time on cue-elicited craving. Regardless of cue type, impulsive people who expected alcohol experience a significant increase in cue-elicited craving relative to impulsive people who did not expect alcohol. This effect was not observed in the non-impulsive groups. Theoretical explanations and clinical implications of these findings are discussed.