Effects of odor-induced autobiographical memory recall interventions on the mental health of individuals with problem drinking behaviors

The number of alcohol use disorders (AUD) worldwide has increased; therefore, understanding and preventing alcohol addiction is of utmost importance. The objective of this study was to examine the influence of memory recall interventions using the odor of alcohol on mental health and drinking behavior. We used three different studies, two online and one in a laboratory, where participants with and without problematic drinking behaviors were asked to recall autobiographical memories evoked by the odor of alcohol. They were asked to complete questionnaires to measure their autobiographical memory and mental health. The results revealed that participants without problematic drinking behaviors recalled more positive memories and exhibited better mental health than those with such behaviors. Furthermore, in both groups, recalling positive memories increased positive mood, while recalling negative memories decreased positive mood. Additionally, for participants with problematic drinking behaviors, recalling positive memories increased their planned alcohol consumption, whereas recalling negative memories decreased it. The results suggest that interventions focused on recalling emotional autobiographical memories may influence the mental health and behavior of individuals with problematic drinking behaviors.