The dual-process model in young adults with a consistent binge drinking trajectory into adulthood
Autores: Carbia, C., Corral, M., Doallo, S., y Caamaño-Isorna, F.
Ano: 2018
Drug & Alcohol Dependence, 186, 113-119 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.01.023
Palabra clave: Heavy episodic drinking, Alcohol, Bias, Executive, Impulsivity, Dual-process
Background
Binge Drinking (BD) generally declines once students have left university. However, many individuals continue to partake in BD into adulthood, constituting a scarcely investigated high-risk group towards whom interventions should be prioritized. Following the dual-process model, we examined the relationship between BD and both the reflective system (executive functions) and the affective system (alcohol bias) in young adults with a consistent BD trajectory. We considered impulsivity as a moderator in the relationship between BD and alcohol bias.
Methods
A cohort of 63 (31♀) young adults were followed for eleven years (18–29 years old). In the last assessment, participants, with high and low drinking trajectories underwent neuropsychological assessment of executive functions (working memory [SOPT], cognitive flexibility [TMT −Verbal Fluency], inhibition [Stroop]) and alcohol bias (Addiction Stroop). The Barratt Impulsivity Scale measured impulsivity. Generalized linear mixed models and regression-based moderation models were applied.
Results
BD was associated with weak inhibitory control, poor working memory and greater alcohol bias moderated by non-planning impulsivity. At moderate levels of non-planning impulsivity, BD was associated with greater alcohol bias. This association was not found at high levels of impulsivity. These deficits were related to loss of control over drinking and severity of alcohol use.
Conclusions
The imbalance between poor cognitive control and greater alcohol bias may contribute to the persistence of BD into adulthood. The findings highlight the complexities of the dual-process model, with intervention implications.
Highlights
•Binge Drinking (BD) trajectory is associated with poor executive functions and alcohol bias.
•Impulsivity acts as a moderator between BD and alcohol cognitive bias.
•Weak inhibitory control is related to loss of control over binge drinking behavior.
•Alcohol cognitive bias is linked to severity of alcohol use.