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A Comparative Look at Ratings of the Subjective Effects of Beverage Alcohol

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Abstract

The alcoholic’s drinking behavior is commonly accounted for by a tension reduction hypothesis (TRH). However, comparison of the phenomenological states experienced by “addicted” and nonaddicted” alcohol users suggests the existence of a strongly elevated alcohol-induced euphoria in addicted alcoholics which may contribute to the genesis and support of the characteristic alcoholic syndrome.

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We express our thanks to the alcoholic treatment agencies and the local chapter of AA for providing the opportunities for data collection, and to NIAAA whose past support gave rise to the present hypothesis. We would also like to thank James Kirby for his assistance in data collection.

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Senter, R.J., Heintzelman, M., Dorfmueller, M. et al. A Comparative Look at Ratings of the Subjective Effects of Beverage Alcohol. Psychol Rec 29, 49–56 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03394588

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03394588

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