In conclusion, we expected to find increased sensation seeking in both alcoholic groups compared to NAC. Further, based on the greater magnitude of psychological, psychiatric, drinking history and family history of drinking problems in LTAA, we expected to find elevated sensation seeking when LTAA were compared to TxN. However, in these samples sensation seeking is normal in LTAA, and elevated in the actively drinking TxN. Our finding of normal sensation seeking in LTAA is novel, and suggests that normalization of sensation seeking in early abstinence may be a ‘sine qua non’ of long-term abstinence. Alternatively, normal sensation seeking may be a predictor of the ability to achieve long-term abstinence. Longitudinal data is needed to resolve this issue. Regardless of the relative contribution of the two phenomena, the results have important implications for our understanding of long-term sobriety.
