Alcohol use and discounting of delayed and probabilistic gain and loss

Abstract

Objective: Little is known about the relationship between alcohol and discounting of loss, one of procrastinative behaviors. This study examined the relationship between the frequency of alcohol use and discounting delayed and probabilistic gain and loss, which is of interest in neuroeconomics of addiction.

Methods: Thirty-three subjects conducted tasks of delay and probability discounting of gain and loss. Their alcohol use was also assessed.

Results: The frequency of alcohol use was significantly correlated with the degree to which delayed monetary losses were discounted.

Conclusions: Frequent use of alcohol may associate with an increased degree of procrastination. Further, the degrees of delay discounting of loss could be a predictor of a frequent alcohol intake.