Task persistence after alcohol consumption among children of alcoholics

Two studies examined task persistence after alcohol consumption among young adult offspring of alcoholics [children of alcoholics (COAs)] and young adult offspring of nonalcoholics (NonCOAs). In study I, heavy drinking college seniors (n = 294) participated in a laboratory alcohol challenge in the context of a baseline assessment for a longitudinal study. Subjects completed a computerized administration of the Matching Familiar Figures Test in two halves: the first half sober, and the second half approximately 50 min after consuming a 0.8 ml/kg body weight dose of ethanol. COAs demonstrated significantly greater acceleration of response latencies after consumption of alcohol compared with NonCOAs. In study II, moderate-to-heavy drinking volunteers (n = 149) were recruited for a one-time laboratory alcohol challenge, and completed a circle-tracing task three times approximately 50 min after consuming a 0.8 ml/kg body weight dose of ethanol. COAs displayed significantly less persistence on the second and third circle-tracing trials compared with NonCOAs. Data are discussed in relation to models of impulsivity and differential alcohol sensitivity among COAs.