The effects of repeated withdrawals from alcohol on the memory of male and female alcoholics

The measure of number of withdrawals, as a separate drinking variable of relevance to cognitive functioning in alcoholics, is a relatively uninvestigated measure. An ethanol withdrawal hypothesis has been suggested that would predict poorer cognitive performance with increased number of withdrawals from alcohol. In this study, the effects of withdrawals (defined as a 24 hr period of abstinence following the consumption of alcohol) on tests of learning and memory were examined. Using 76 male and 67 female alcoholics, results indicate that greater number of withdrawals is related to poorer memory test performance. Results provide support for the ethanol hypothesis of poorer cognitive performance with increasing number of withdrawals, and suggest that females may exhibit accelerated responses to the effects of alcohol misuse.