This study investigates alcohol drinking patterns in both men and women over different time intervals. The researchers aim to understand why women may progress more quickly from social drinking to problematic drinking compared to men. One reason could be how they respond to not drinking for a while, known as abstinence. In animals, not drinking for short periods can lead to more drinking later, and the study aims to see if the same is true for humans.

Participants in the study will undergo various procedures to observe their drinking behavior after periods of not drinking. The study uses a special method to measure how people react to abstinence. The researchers will look at how these reactions differ between men and women and try to understand the reasons behind these differences.

• Who can participate: The study is open to healthy men and women who drink alcohol. Participants must be able to understand and complete questionnaires in English and have suitable venous access for blood sampling. Pregnant or breastfeeding women are not eligible.
• Study details: Participants will be involved in procedures that observe their drinking behavior after abstinence. They will also provide blood samples, which means they need to have suitable venous access. Participants will be compensated for their participation.