As predicted by limited resource theory, alcohol consumers are more likely to drink to excess if they have been exerting self-control. Muraven et al. (52) demonstrated that a self-control task (thought suppression) led to increased alcohol consumption compared to a comparison task that did not require self-control (performing mental arithmetic). Furthermore, this increase in alcohol consumption was evident despite participants being given a financial incentive to limit their alcohol consumption. Comparable findings were reported by Friese et al. (53). The influence of ego depletion was also examined in naturalistic settings by Muraven et al. (54), who used ecological momentary assessment to assess self-control demands and alcohol consumption. They found that on days when individuals reported higher self-control demands (expending more effort in regulating mood, controlling thoughts, or dealing with stress), they tended to drink more alcohol and were more likely to violate self-imposed limits on alcohol consumption [c.f. Limit Violation Theory: (55, 56)]. Combined, these studies suggest that ego depletion can have a causal influence on drinking behavior, and temporarily increased disinhibition (as a consequence of ego depletion) is a plausible explanation for these effects.
