The present study examined the effects of alcohol on the ability to execute and inhibit behavior in a context in which preliminary information signaled the likelihood that a response should be executed or suppressed. Social drinkers (N = 12) performed a cued go/no-go task that required quick responses to go targets and suppression of responses to no-go targets. Performance was tested under 3 doses of alcohol: 0.65 g/kg, 0.45 g/kg, and 0.0 g/kg (placebo). Alcohol had no effect on inhibition and execution when cues correctly signaled these actions. By contrast, alcohol impaired inhibition and execution in a dose-dependent manner when cues incorrectly signaled actions. These findings are consistent with a resource limitation account of alcohol impairment.

Experimental and clinical psychopharmacology

1

1064-1297

10.1037//1064-1297.11.1.110