Evidence of sex differences in alcohol-related disinhibition is mixed; here, we examine two tasks requiring different types of inhibition.
Problems with controlling behaviour are apparent in users of many substances, including alcohol, and including non-dependent risky drinking. Further, the possibility of sex differences in this relationship speaks to different possible pathways to risky drinking, yet mixed evidence exists for sex differences. Here, we investigate within a sample of young heavy drinkers and light drinkers, using two different computerised tasks which capture different aspects of inhibitory control. Results suggest that the observation of sex differences depends on the task used, but also that the nature of alcohol-related differences is not always as expected.
Speaker Bio:
Dr Smith is an expert on measurement of inhibitory control using computerised tasks, and utilises both behavioural and brain electrical activity measures in her work. Since 2011, she has investigated difficulties with inhibitory control among young heavy drinkers, as a Research Fellow at the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales.