Relationship between subjective effects and drug preferences : ethanol and diazepam

FRANÇAIS :
On étudie les relations entre le choix des drogues et les effets subjectifs de l'éthanol et du diazépam, par 1 méthode en double aveugle. On compare le groupe "non-consommateurs" (non-choosers) du groupe des consommateurs (choosers). L'alcool diminue l'excitation, la gaité, la bonne humeur et l'énergie, et augmente l'anxiété, la dépression et la fatigue chez les "non-consommateurs", alors qu'elle augmente l'excitation et l'énergie des "consommateurs". Le diazepam a des effets sédatifs dans les deux groupes, mais diminue l'anxiété chez les "consommateurs" uniquement. La consommation de diazépam est souvent associée à un usage récréatif de marijuana et de stimulants.
ENGLISH :
Subjective effects of, and preference for, ethanol and diazepam vs. placebo were measured using a choice procedure. Subjects were grouped according to their drug choices : 'non-choosers' never chose drug, whereas 'choosers' always chose drug. The two groups were compared on their subjective responses to drug and on demographic variables. Ethanol decreased Arousal, Elation, Positive Mood and Vigor, and increased Anxiety, Depression and Fatique in the non-choosers, whereas it increased Arousal and Vigor in the choosers. Ethanol choosers were also more likely to be males and/or full-time students than non-choosers. Diazepam produced sedative-like effects in both choosers and non-choosers, but markedly decreased Anxiety and increased Friendliness in choosers only. Diazepam choice was also associated with more frequent recreational use of marijuana and stimulants. Thus, both demographic variables and subjective drug effects were related to drug preference.