Drs Anna Soderpalm and Harriet de Wit, from the University of Chicago, also report that the sedative effects of alcohol are increased by such situations.

The researchers investigated the effects of alcohol in 20 men aged between 21 and 31, who were observed in a stressful situation and also when relaxed.

Half of the men received orange juice containing alcohol and half received unadulterated juice. Both groups were then asked to complete an arithmetic task to a set time in a room with an interviewer, an observer and three other subjects. The men were also evaluated during a relaxation period.

The researchers found that the participants reacted differently to stress depending on whether they had received alcohol. Those who received orange juice alone were more cheerful and outgoing and “less worn” than those who received orange juice containing alcohol.

Those who received alcohol said they felt more stimulated, both in the stressful and in the relaxed situation. Interestingly, they also reported feeling more sedated when placed under stress.

After completion of the stressful task, both groups wanted more of the orange drink. However, those who had received the juice laced with alcohol also wanted more when they were feeling relaxed, while those who took the unspiked drink wanted and liked it more when they were stressed.

The authors comment, “This result may be related to the idea that people drink to relax, although in our study the alcohol did not change the mood state, but rather the mood state changed the effects of alcohol.”

The researchers suggest that the alterations in alcohol response may affect future alcohol consumption, and this will be the subject of further investigation.

Source: Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research
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