Paradoxical effects of the cortisol response to stress: More cravings now, less alcohol use later

Introduction: Glucocorticoids, cortisol in humans, might be critically involved in the individual propensity for addictions. By inducing social stress in young healthy males, the putative mediating role of cortisol was investigated in immediate cravings for alcohol, and in alcohol use at the long term. Methods: In an experimental prospective design, 107 young healthy males randomly received acute social stress using the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) or a control condition. Next, subliminal alcohol pictures were shown in the fMRI scanner.
Source: Alcohol - Category: Addiction Authors: Source Type: research