for expectation of alcohol effects that are independent of pharmacological effects of alcohol. Subjects were blind to the drink contents and were told “During the session you will receive alcohol drinks or placebo drinks. Drinks may contain different amounts of alcohol”. All drinks were blinded by floating 1 mL ethanol on top of the drink and by placing an ethanol-soaked wristband around the glass to deliver a strong alcohol odor. Subjects were instructed to sip each drink over a 10-min period, and were monitored by staff to ensure compliance. Medical personnel were available, if any adverse effects occurred (e.g., vomiting, dizziness). Early stopping rules were in effect; subjects could refuse drinks at any time, and additional drinks would not be administered if maximum BAC (0.1%) was reached, or adverse effects occurred. In the current study, none of the sessions was terminated early due to adverse effects, elevated BAC, or subject refusal of drinks.
