The Influence of Alcohol on the Mood of the Alcoholic*

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Abstract
Summary: The aim was to investigate the emotional state of the alcoholic after one limited drinking session as compared to the sober state. Forty volunteer male alcoholics were psychologically assessed, both sober and after taking three or four two‐ounce drinks of brandy at ten‐minute intervals.Tests: 1, Willoughby Personality Schedule. 2; Thematic Apperception Test (5 cards). 3, Rorschach. The Klopfer system of scoring and interpretation of the Rorschach results was used. In addition the Wichmann method was also used which gives a global assessment of Rorschach protocols. In the quantification of the T.A.T. results the system of Dana was used.Results: 1, The Willoughby. Seven questions showed significant decreases, indicating decreased neuroticism in certain aspects of social interaction, 2, The Rorschach, The following significant changes were recorded under the influence of alcohol: (a) An increase in inanimate movement responses, indicating increased tension and conflict. (b) A decrease in the quality of introspection, indicating an increase in unsuccessful introspective effort, (c) A decrease in the quality of inner adjustment. (d) A decreased number of subjects classified as having intermediate total adjustment. 3, The T.A.T. The combined, standardised score showed a highly significant change towards more psychopathology after consumption of alcohol.Discussion of Results:The first three Rorschach results are clearly related. An increase in tension and conflict would contribute to decreasing the quality of inner adjustment. The decreased number of subjects with intermediate total adjustment is a neutral change without any meaning in itself. The increased psychopathology indicated by the T.A.T. agrees with the increased tension and conflict indicated by the Rorschach.The Willoughby results may appear in conflict with the above, but it must be remembered that the tension reduction reflected by it was limited to certain aspects of social interaction only.Conclusion:After one limited drinking session the alcoholic experiences an increase in inner tension and anxiety. Compensatory mechanisms are then set in motion by the personality to counteract these emotions. These mechanisms may result in an immediate, perhaps superficial experience of tension reduction despite underlying anxiety.Discussion of Conclusion:The increase in tension recorded after the alcoholic took alcohol is in keeping with some of the latest findings, but contrary to the traditional viewpoint. The temporary, superficial experience of tension reduction, which is a new finding, might partly explain previous discrepancies. Possible reasons why the alcoholic nevertheless proceeds with his drinking were discussed. Closer inspection of the results show that many individual subjects did not necessarily follow group trends, but reacted in their own unique way to alcohol.