Effects of alcohol on human aggressive behavior.

Abstract

Eleven men were administered placebo and 3 doses (0.12, 0.23 and 0.46 g of absolute alcohol/kg of body wt) of 50% alcohol (vodka) in a laboratory situation that provided both aggressive and nonaggressive response options. Two aggressive responses were available to subjects: the ostensible subtraction of money from a fictitious other person and the ostensible presentation of a loud noise to a fictitious other person. A nonaggressive monetary reinforced response was also available. Aggressive responding was elicited by the subtraction of money from the subjects which was attributed to the fictitious other person. Relatively low doses of alcohol (0.23 and 0.46 g/kg) increased aggressive monetary substraction responses, but had no effect on decreased nonaggressive monetary reinforced responses. The observed increase in aggressive responding cannot be attributed to a generalized stimulant action of low alcohol doses. The increased aggressive responding was observed at blood alcohol levels well below those usually defined as intoxicating. Apparently, responses to aggression-provoking situations can be altered by the consumption of the equivalent of 1 or 2 alcoholic drinks.