Abstract

The effects of the pattern (spontaneous or programed) of alcohol intake on the behavioral and biologic responses of eight chronic alcoholic males were observed. Subjects drank for 20 days in each condition and underwent a period of alcohol abstinence after each drinking episode. All subjects drank more, achieved higher blood alcohol levels and tolerated alcohol better during the spontaneous drinking paradigm. The contribution of metabolic, endocrine and caloric factors to observed differences in blood alcohol levels are discussed. All subjects showed more severe withdrawal signs and symptoms upon cessation of spontaneous than of programed drinking. This finding suggests that the pattern of drinking is more important than duration of drinking in determining the expresion of withdrawal signs and symptoms. Sleep patterns during intoxication tended to be fragmented in comparison to base-line sleep patterns. Withdrawal signs and symptoms were correlated with sleep fragmentation and/or somnolence rather than with insomnia. The possible relationship of alcohol-induced sleep fragmentation and affective changes observed during intoxication are discussed. It is concluded that the two drinking patterns produce significant differences in biologic and behavioral correlates of intoxication and withdrawal. Results obtained with programed alcohol administration may be of more limited generality in clarifying the complex determinants of the clinical expression of alcohol addiction.