What Is the Alcohol Deprivation Effect?

The alcohol deprivation effect refers to the phenomenon where an individual who has been deprived of alcohol for a period of time will consume more alcohol than usual when given access to it again.

This effect has been observed in both animals and humans and has important implications for understanding the nature of alcohol addiction and relapse.

The alcohol deprivation effect was first discovered in animal studies in the 1960s. Researchers found that when rats were given access to alcohol after a period of deprivation, they would consume more alcohol than rats who had continuous access to alcohol.

This effect was observed even when the period of deprivation was relatively short, such as a few days.

Since then, the alcohol deprivation effect has been studied extensively in both animals and humans.

What has research shown about the alcohol deprivation effect?

In human studies, researchers have typically induced a period of alcohol deprivation by having participants abstain from alcohol for a set period of time, such as a week or a month. Participants are then given access to alcohol in a controlled laboratory setting, and their drinking behavior is observed.

One important finding from these studies is that the alcohol deprivation effect is not limited to individuals with a history of alcoholism. Even individuals who do not have a history of alcoholism will consume more alcohol after a period of deprivation.

This suggests that the alcohol deprivation effect is a general phenomenon that occurs in response to alcohol deprivation, regardless of an individual's level of alcohol use.

The underlying mechanisms of the alcohol deprivation effect are not fully understood, but several theories have been proposed.

One theory suggests that alcohol deprivation leads to an increase in the reinforcing properties of alcohol. In other words, when an individual is deprived of alcohol, their craving for alcohol increases, and the positive effects of alcohol (such as relaxation and euphoria) become more salient. When the individual is then given access to alcohol again, the reinforcing properties of alcohol are heightened, leading to increased consumption.

Another theory suggests that alcohol deprivation leads to changes in the brain's reward system. Chronic alcohol use has been shown to alter the brain's reward system, leading to a decrease in the sensitivity of dopamine receptors.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is involved in the brain's reward system, and decreased sensitivity to dopamine can lead to a decrease in the pleasurable effects of alcohol.

When an individual abstains from alcohol, the brain's reward system begins to return to its baseline state, and the sensitivity of dopamine receptors increases. This increased sensitivity may lead to increased consumption when alcohol is reintroduced. 

Check out David's experience with the Alcohol Deprivation Effect 👇

Does the alcohol deprivation effect lead to relapse?

The alcohol deprivation effect has important implications for understanding the nature of alcohol addiction and relapse.

Addiction is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite negative consequences. The alcohol deprivation effect suggests that even after a period of abstinence, individuals with a history of alcoholism may be at increased risk for relapse due to heightened cravings and the reinforcing properties of alcohol.

The Sinclair Method and the alcohol deprivation effect

The Sinclair Method is actually based on the alcohol deprivation effect. When an individual is deprived of alcohol, their craving for alcohol increases, and the positive effects of alcohol become more salient.

The Sinclair Method works by taking advantage of the alcohol deprivation effect to reduce the reinforcing properties of alcohol. By taking naltrexone one hour before drinking, the individual is blocking the opioid receptors in the brain before consuming alcohol. Therefore, the positive effects of alcohol are reduced, and the desire to drink decreases over time.

Of course, external support focused on gradual behavior and habit change – like what we offer inside The Alcohol Freedom Program – have been shown to help the medication work more effectively.

We often tell our members that naltrexone and TSM are 50% of the equation – and habit, lifestyle and behavior change are the other 50%.

In conclusion

In conclusion, the alcohol deprivation effect is a well-established phenomenon that occurs in response to alcohol deprivation. Because the alcohol deprivation effect increases craving for alcohol, it can often lead people to relapse – even if they sincerely want to reduce or stop drinking. This is why The Sinclair Method is such an effective treatment because it addresses the problem of alcohol deprivation – resulting in most people feeling fewer cravings and less interest in alcohol over time.

Medical Disclaimer: This content is not for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a healthcare professional for any medical concerns. Do not ignore or delay seeking medical advice based on what you read here.