Whilst these prospective studies suggest that elevated disinhibition is a risk-factor for heavy drinking, this does not necessarily imply that disinhibition is purely a trait variable, i.e., one that is stable over time with individuals. On the contrary, there is now solid evidence that disinhibition, like other states, can fluctuate within individuals. In a recent review of the literature, de Wit (2) noted that “… abrupt environmental, physiological, or emotional events may cause transient “state” changes in either self-control or inhibition that may result in re-initiation of drug use” (p.28). In the remainder of this review we will discuss the psychological mechanisms that underlie state fluctuations in disinhibition, and we investigate whether temporary increases in disinhibition are associated with increased subjective craving and self-administration of the substance. We note here that whilst we have attempted to organize this material into distinct categories, there is likely to be considerable overlap between categories and we highlight this at appropriate points in our manuscript.
