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Neural and Psychosocial Mechanisms Underlying Alcohol Use and Pain Interactions: Overview of Current Evidence and Future Directions

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

A growing body of research indicates bidirectional associations between alcohol use and pain. In this review, we highlight common neural and psychosocial mechanisms underlying pain and alcohol use and identify current gaps in the literature regarding alcohol/pain interactions. We also suggest future directions for the field moving forward, including more nuanced conceptualization of alcohol’s negative reinforcing effects in the context of pain, broader use of clinically relevant experimental pain induction modalities, and characterization of age, biological sex, gender, race, and ethnicity as moderators of pain/alcohol interactions.

Recent Findings

Acute alcohol intake has analgesic and negative-reinforcing effects in the context of pain, and chronic heavy alcohol use appears to increase risk for development of chronic pain. At the same time, pain, both acute and chronic, acts as a proximal antecedent for alcohol use and is associated with relapse risk for individuals in recovery from alcohol use disorder.

Summary

Although the links between alcohol use and pain are increasingly appreciated, significant gaps in understanding remain and systematic study of alcohol/pain interactions at all levels, including basic, preclinical, translational, and interventional, is needed.

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Funding

Support for Dr. Boissoneault was provided by NIH R01AA025337 (JB, PI). Support for Dr. Stennett-Blackmon was provided by NIH T32AA025877, and support for Dr. Blaes was provided by the Arthur Tabb Hardy Fund for Research in Addiction Psychiatry.

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  1. Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA

    Jeff Boissoneault, Bethany Stennett-Blackmon, Christina Gilmour & Shelby Blaes

  2. Center for Pain Research and Behavioral Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA

    Jeff Boissoneault, Bethany Stennett-Blackmon, Christina Gilmour & Shelby Blaes

  3. Department of Anesthesiology, University of Minnesota, Mayo Memorial Building Room D510, 420 Delaware St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA

    Jeff Boissoneault

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Correspondence to Jeff Boissoneault.

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Boissoneault, J., Stennett-Blackmon, B., Gilmour, C. et al. Neural and Psychosocial Mechanisms Underlying Alcohol Use and Pain Interactions: Overview of Current Evidence and Future Directions. Curr Addict Rep 10, 677–689 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40429-023-00518-y

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