IngentaConnect DIAZEPAM DOSE-DEPENDENTLY INCREASES OR DECREASES IMPLICIT PRIMING...

Authors: ZACK, MARTIN; POULOS, CONSTANTINE X.; WOODFORD, TRACY M.

Source: Alcohol and Alcoholism, Volume 41, Number 6, November 2006 , pp. 604-610(7)

Abstract:

Aims: Words denoting negative affect (NEG) have been found to prime alcohol-related words (ALC) on semantic priming tasks, and this effect is tied to severity of addiction. Previous research suggested that high doses of benzodiazepines may dampen NEG-ALC priming. The present study tested this possibility and the role of motivation for alcohol in this process. Methods: A placebo-controlled, double blind, between-within, counterbalanced design was employed. Two groups of male problem drinkers (n = 6/group) received a high (15-mg) or low (5-mg) dose of diazepam versus placebo on two identical test sessions. A lexical decision task assessed priming. Results: Under placebo, significant NEG→ALC priming emerged in each group. High-dose diazepam selectively reversed this effect, while low-dose selectively enhanced it. Correlations between NEG→ALC priming and desire for alcohol provided further support that semantic priming of ALC concepts reflects a motivational process. The bi-directional effects found here parallel the effects of high- versus low-dose benzodiazepines on alcohol self-administration in animals. Conclusions: High-dose diazepam reduces prime-induced activation of ALC concepts in problem drinkers. Low-dose diazepam facilitates this process, and cross-priming of motivation for alcohol appears to explain this effect. Neurochemical modulation of the alcohol memory network may contribute to the motivational effects of benzodiazepines in problem drinkers.

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DIAZEPAM DOSE-DEPENDENTLY INCREASES OR DECREASES IMPLICIT PRIMING OF ALCOHOL ASSOCIATIONS IN PROBLEM DRINKERS