Response to alcohol cues as a function of consumption level

The response to consumption of placebo beer was studied in male social drinkers whose normal alcohol intake consisted of at least 80% beer. There was a significant correlation between change in heart rate and normal level of beer intake with heavier drinkers showing more marked declines. Similarly, heavier drinkers reported greater desire to drink following consumption of the placebo beer. Skin temperature and withdrawal scale scores showed little change and did not correlate with intake. These results suggest that the amount of experience of alcohol paired with alcohol-related cues may be an important determinant of the magnitude of the conditioned responses to those cues.