Examination of adaptive responses to alcohol in humans requires rigorous longitudinal investigations in persons developing AUD or progressing in severity of the disorder. Such prospective, repeated-measurement studies of acute alcohol responses are challenging, time- and labor-intensive, and require high retention rates. Yet the knowledge from such an investigation is necessary to adequately test the translational significance of animal models of addiction to humans (17) and thus inform empirically-based strategies for prevention, early intervention and treatment. Whether the excitatory, euphoric, or sedating effects of alcohol increase, decrease, or remain constant over time in problem drinkers an unresolved issue in clinical psychiatry.
