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Recurrent personal memories during intoxication reported by patients with alcoholism

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 November 1997

R. E. HOFFMAN ,
R. ESPOSITO ,
M. ROSEN  and
P. ROCKHOLZ
R. E. HOFFMAN
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
R. ESPOSITO
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
M. ROSEN
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
P. ROCKHOLZ
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Abstract

Background. Experimental studies have demonstrated that alcohol has state-dependent effects on learning and memory. We, therefore, sought to determine if alcohol intoxication triggers selective retrieval of memories which could alter patterns of alcohol use.

Methods. Eighteen alcoholic patients were studied as well as a comparison group of 12 patients who abused cocaine, a drug not associated with memory state-dependence. Patients underwent a semi-structured interview to elicit information about recurrent personal memories experienced when intoxicated. Recurrent memories experienced during craving were also studied as a comparison condition.

Results. The prevalence of recurrent personal memories during intoxication was reported to be much higher for alcoholic patients compared with the cocaine-abusing patients. These experiences occurred more frequently than during craving, generally reflected prior disturbing events and were often reported to promote continued drinking.

Conclusions. The association of recurrently experienced personal memories with intoxication in alcoholic patients suggests, but does not establish, pharmacological state-dependence. Further studies of this memory phenomenon are indicated.

Type
BRIEF COMMUNICATION
Information
Psychological Medicine , Volume 27 , Issue 6 , November 1997 , pp. 1441 - 1446
Copyright
1997 Cambridge University Press

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