Drinking Status but not Acute Alcohol Consumption Influences Delay Discounting

This study investigated: 1) the effects of acute alcohol on delay discounting, 2) the effects of drinking status on delayed discounting, and 3) whether these effects differ according to reward type (alcohol vs. money). Heavy and light social alcohol users (n = 96) were randomized to receive either an acute dose of alcohol at 0.40 g/kg or 0.60 g/kg or placebo in a between-subjects, double-blind design. Delay discounting of alcohol and monetary rewards was measured using a hyperbolic model, with higher scores indicative of greater delay discounting.