Citation

Hoffman RE, Esposito R, Rosen M, Rockholz P. Psychol. Med. 1997; 27(6): 1441-1446.

Affiliation

Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8030, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1997, Cambridge University Press)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

9403915

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Experimental studies have demonstrated that alcohol has state-dependent effects on learning and memory. We, therefore, sought to determine if alcohol intoxication triggers selective retrieval of memories which could alter patterns of alcohol use. METHODS: Eighteen alcoholic patients were studied as well as a comparison group of 12 patients who abused cocaine, a drug not associated with memory state-dependence. Patients underwent a semi-structured interview to elicit information about recurrent personal memories experienced when intoxicated. Recurrent memories experienced during craving were also studied as a comparison condition. RESULTS: The prevalence of recurrent personal memories during intoxication was reported to be much higher for alcoholic patients compared with the cocaine-abusing patients. These experiences occurred more frequently than during craving, generally reflected prior disturbing events and were often reported to promote continued drinking. CONCLUSIONS: The association of recurrently experienced personal memories with intoxication in alcoholic patients suggests, but does not establish, pharmacological state-dependence. Further studies of this memory phenomenon are indicated.

Language: en