Low-dose alcohol effects on human behavior and performance: A review of post-1984 research.

Holloway, Frank · 1994 · OpenAlex-citations

DOI: 10.1037/e410462004-001

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Summary

This review examines the effects of low-dose alcohol on human behavior and performance, specifically analyzing empirical studies published between 1985 and mid-1993. The research was motivated by inconsistencies in prior literature regarding whether a specific blood alcohol concentration (BAC) threshold exists for impairment and which performance tasks are most sensitive to low doses. The study aims to clarify the shape of the alcohol dose-effect curve for various behavioral classes and identify mediator factors influencing individual sensitivity. The methodology involved a comprehensive review of 155 empirical studies, utilizing the alcohol effect schema proposed by Krüger. This schema categorizes effects into subjective reports (intoxication and positive mood) and objective effects, which are further divided into psychophysical functions, automatic behaviors, controlled behaviors, and driving/flying simulator performance. The analysis focused on the incidence of significant alcohol effects across different BAC ranges, employing linear regression and probit techniques to estimate effective concentrations (EC50) where 50% of studies reported significant impairment. The findings indicate that sensitivity to alcohol varies significantly by task type. Subjective intoxication effects displayed the highest sensitivity, with an EC50 of 27.9 mg% (0.028%), exhibiting a threshold-like curve where 75% of tests showed significant effects at BACs as low as 21–40 mg%. Controlled performance tasks, such as divided attention and complex tracking, were also highly sensitive, with an EC50 of 22.9 mg% (0.023%). In contrast, psychophysical functions and automatic behaviors (e.g., simple reaction time) were less sensitive, with EC50 values of approximately 53 mg% (0.053%). Simulator studies for driving and flying confirmed impairment at low BACs, with errors observed in flight simulators at BACs ranging from 24–40 mg%. The review also identified mediator factors, including expectancy, practice, and individual differences, which can alter the magnitude of alcohol-induced impairment. The significance of this review lies in its conclusion that there is no absolute BAC threshold below which impairment is absent. Because sensitivity varies by task complexity, individual characteristics, and situational factors, setting a "safe" BAC limit is inherently arbitrary. The data support the assertion that low BACs (0.03% or lower) are sufficient to affect skills relevant to driving and aviation, particularly those requiring controlled, divided attention. Consequently, the findings provide scientific justification for maintaining low legal BAC limits, as even small amounts of alcohol can impair critical performance components in high-demand environments.

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• alcohol