Sex effects on hangover and withdrawal in non-dependent and dependent drinkers

Authors

• LE Blau
• BL Stangl
• VA Ramchandani

Abstract

Hangover refers to the cluster of physiological and psychological symptoms that arise after a drinking episode and is thought to be a form of acute withdrawal from alcohol. Hangover is associated with risky drinking, and may be important in studying the shift from heavy drinking to alcohol dependence. This study examined hangover symptoms following intravenous alcohol self-administration (IV-ASA) in non-dependent drinkers with the goal of comparing these symptoms with acute withdrawal symptoms in dependent drinkers undergoing inpatient detoxification. Healthy non-dependent drinkers (N=71) completed a 2-hour IV-ASA session using the Computer-assisted Alcohol Infusion System (CAIS) wherein they could press a button to receive individually standardized alcohol infusions. The Drug Effects Questionnaire (DEQ) was used to assess subjective effects of alcohol. A post-visit questionnaire was administered the following morning to assess hangover symptoms. Withdrawal in dependent drinkers (N= 699) was assessed using the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment (CIWA). Drinking history and problems were assessed using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) in non-dependent drinkers and using the Alcohol Dependence Scale (ADS) in dependent drinkers. Hangover following IV-ASA was associated with AUDIT scores in non-dependent drinkers. DEQ scores following alcohol priming were associated with hangover scores. Non-dependent males with greater AUDIT scores reported lower hangover symptoms, while dependent females reported higher ADS scores (all p’s

Scientific Focus Area: Social and Behavioral Sciences

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