Abstract
Rationale: Hazardous drinking presents a global health risk and if chronic, can escalate into an alcohol use disorder. The causal mechanisms for the transition from controlled alcohol use to uncontrolled misuse and dependence are complex, and it is not presently possible to accurately predict those most at-risk of misusing alcohol, or of developing AUD. Objectives: We investigated the feasibility of using ecological momentary assessments, specifically related to daily stress and alcohol use, to study risk factors for hazardous drinking. We tested the hypothesis that in a sample of healthy drinkers, risk-taking would modulate the impact of daily self-reported stress on alcohol use. Methods: We characterised impulsivity/risk-taking in 23 participants (12 female; mean age = 24.59 [SD = 5.34]) using a battery of questionnaires and computer tasks. We then collected daily behavioural and physiological data related to self-reported stress levels and blood alcohol concentration consumption for 30 days. Results: Attrition and missing data rates were low, with an overall response rate of 92.6% We found support for our hypothesis, with higher risk-taking and impulsive participants drinking more following daily stressors. However, the picture was not clear, with participants drinking greater volumes of alcohol at weekends, and the interactions of stress x personality trait often differing on weekdays. Conclusions: This feasibility study demonstrated the potential for was the first to demonstrate that using ecological momentary assessments, such as, digital biomarkers to assess risk factors for alcohol misuse is a viable option for investigating the effects of neurocognitive endophenotypes and stress on alcohol misuse on a longitudinal basis.