Considerable research has demonstrated that conflict monitoring can be impaired by alcohol. Building on a long-standing thesis that alcohol most affects behavior under conditions of response conflict (see Steele & Southwick, 1985), Curtin and Fairchild (2003) tested effects of alcohol on conflict monitoring by having participants complete a Stroop task (Stroop, 1935) either intoxicated or sober. These authors reported that alcohol increased Stroop interference and reduced event-related potential (ERP) responses associated with conflict monitoring (N450) and implementation of control (negative slow wave).
