Decision-Making in Alcohol Users vs Non-Users
Author Information
Author(s): Ramakrishnan Srinivasan A., Shaik Riaz B., Kanagamani Tamizharasan, Neppala Gopi, Chen Jeffrey, Fiore Vincenzo G., Hammond Christopher J., Srinivasan Shankar, Ivanov Iliyan, Chakravarthy V. Srinivasa, Kool Wouter, Parvaz Muhammad A.
Primary Institution: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Hypothesis
Alcohol Users would show less model-based decision-making in overall task performance and be less sensitive to reward amplification.
Conclusion
Frequent Alcohol Users may have impaired decision-making flexibility, leading to riskier choices when potential gains are significant.
Supporting Evidence
- Alcohol Non-Users showed significantly higher model-based control in higher compared to lower reward conditions.
- Both groups were less risk-averse in higher compared to lower reward conditions.
- Alcohol Users were less risk-averse compared to Alcohol Non-Users in the higher reward condition.
Takeaway
This study found that people who drink alcohol often don't change their decision-making strategies based on how big the rewards are, which makes them take more risks.
Methodology
Participants performed a modified 2-step learning task with varying reward stakes, and a dual-system reinforcement-learning model was used to assess decision-making strategies.
Potential Biases
Self-reported data on alcohol use may introduce bias.
Limitations
The study's sample may reflect a stress-induced heavy-drinking population, limiting generalizability; other mental health disorders were not assessed.
Participant Demographics
81 participants (58% female), with 47 frequent Alcohol Users and 34 Alcohol Non-Users.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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