Traumatic stress-enhanced alcohol drinking: Sex differences and animal model perspectives

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Stress is a known factor in alcohol consumption and relapse.
• Alcohol use disorder (AUD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) frequently co-occur, with higher prevalence in females.
• Existing research indicates sex-based differences in how stress affects alcohol drinking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review clinical and preclinical findings on sex differences in stress-enhanced alcohol drinking.
• To explore the biological mechanisms underlying these sex differences.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical studies on stress and alcohol use.
• Analysis of preclinical studies using an animal model (predator stress) of traumatic stress.
• Examination of sex and subgroup differences in stress axis responsivity and behavioral responses.

Main Results:

• Stress-enhanced alcohol drinking was observed in a subgroup of stress-sensitive male and female animals in the predator stress model.
• Sex differences were noted in the adaptation of stress pathways and prefrontal cortex involvement in stress-induced anxiety.
• Potential contributing factors include differences in stress axis responsivity, responses to predator odors, and epigenetic changes.

Conclusions:

• Biological mechanisms driving stress-enhanced alcohol drinking likely differ between males and females.
• Further research, particularly in females, is needed to fully elucidate these differences.
• Treatment strategies for AUD and PTSD may require sex-specific approaches.