Acute Tolerance to the Analgesic Effects of Alcohol

• DOI: 10.15288/jsad.2021.82.422
• Publication Date: 2021-06-10T05:02:31Z
• Authors: Michelle K. Williams; Darya Vitus; Erin Ferguson; Bethany Stennett; Michael Robinson; Jeff Boissoneault
• Keywords: Pain tolerance; Alcohol intoxication

Objective: The goal of this study was to determine whether the acute analgesic effects alcohol intake are moderated by tolerance, characterized differing subjective and neurobehavioral a given blood concentration (BAC) depending on BAC is rising or falling. Method: Twenty-nine healthy drinkers (20 women) completed two laboratory sessions in which they consumed beverage: active (target BAC= .08 g/dl) placebo. Acute tolerance assessed examining main interactive beverage condition assessment limb (ascending vs. descending) quantitative sensory testing measures collected using slowly ramping heat stimuli perceived relief ratings at comparable breath concentrations ascending descending limbs. Results: effect pain threshold, such that threshold significantly elevated limb. produced greater than placebo condition, were versus curve. Alcohol did not affect aftersensation either Conclusions: This provides initial experimental evidence alcohol's pain-relieving subject following intake. These findings suggest self-medicating via may be associated with high-risk drinking topography, increasing risk for alcohol-related consequences. Further research needed if these extend context clinical chronic pain.