Lead: Real-Time Assessment of Alcohol Reward, Stimulation, and Negative Affect in Individuals With and Without Alcohol Use Disorder and Depressive Disorders

Real-Time Assessment of Alcohol Reward, Stimulation, and Negative Affect in Individuals With and Without Alcohol Use Disorder and Depressive Disorders

American Journal of Psychiatry

A commonly held model of addiction posits that as addictions develop, there is progression from positive reinforcement to negative reinforcement to ameliorate withdrawal symptoms. In this study, researchers examined the subjective response to alcohol among persons with and without alcohol use disorder (AUD) and with or without comorbid depression. Regardless of the presence of comorbid depression, persons with AUD reported pleasurable effects, including stimulation and hedonic reward, after consumption of alcohol. In contrast, among those without AUD, the positive effects were less substantial. Participants did report reduction in negative affect, but the effects were relatively small. These findings suggest that positive reinforcement is sustained in the progression of AUD and the reward-sensitive stage may exist along with negative reinforcement. 

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