Serum Cortisol Levels in Alcoholic and Nonalcoholic Subjects During Experimentally Induced Ethanol Intoxication

Serum cortisol levels were determined in 4 alcoholic and 4 nonalcoholic subjects prior to, during, and following a 4-day period of experimentally induced ethanol intoxication. Nonalcoholic subjects showed significant elevations in serum cortisol levels when they developed gastrointestinal illness associated with drinking. Alcoholic subjects had elevations in serum cortisol levels which were associated with drinking, but not with gastrointestinal disorders. Alcoholic subjects had the highest elevations in serum cortisol levels when they developed alcohol withdrawal symptoms.