Effects of short‐term abstinence from alcohol on subsequent drinking patterns of social drinkers

Previous research with both animals and humans has suggested that short‐term abstinence from alcohol temporarily may increase subsequent alcohol consumption. To study this issue further, the present investigation evaluated the effect of voluntary, short‐term abstinence on the subsequent drinking patterns of female social drinkers. Thirty‐six subjects provided a baseline assessment of drinking patterns and then were assigned randomly to either a control group, which drank as usual, or to an experimental group, which abstained from alcohol for 3 weeks. All subjects monitored the frequency and quantity of their subsequent drinking for a 3‐week follow‐up period. The results showed that voluntary abstinence neither increased nor decreased subsequent alcohol consumption. This finding is discussed in relation to previous research.