The Ability to Resist the Expected Impairing Effects of Alcohol in Heavy and Light Drinkers

Alcohol tolerance is defined as a diminished response to the drug owing to repeated alcohol exposures. However, drinkers can compensate for alcohol impairment, particularly when they expect to be impaired in the situation. However, the ability to compensate might depend on the behavior impaired by alcohol and the general tolerance already acquired by the drinker. This study tested the degree to which expecting alcohol impairment would reduce alcohol’s impairing effect on reaction time (RT) and fine motor control in those with heavy and light drinking histories. Light drinkers (n=26) and heavy drinkers (n=28) received a 0.65 g/kg alcohol and performed a RT and fine motor task. Half of each group were led to expect alcohol impairment by receiving performance feedback showing alcohol was impairing them. The other half received no feedback. Results showed heavy, but not light drinkers, resisted alcohol impairment of their RT but only when given feedback. Neither heavy nor light drinkers resisted impairment of their fine motor control, even when given feedback. Findings suggest that some drinkers can resist disruptive effects of alcohol on some behaviors when impairment is expected, but this effect might be limited to simple behaviors and those with histories of heavier alcohol use.