Plasma opioids in alcoholics after acute alcohol consumption and withdrawal.

Beta-endorphin (beta-EP) and beta-lipotropin (beta-LPH) plasma concentrations were examined in ten chronic alcohol abusers, eight men and two women aged 25-56 years with histories of continuously elevated ethanol consumption dating from 5-30 years. Plasma levels of the two peptides were measured after acute alcohol consumption and then after 3, 6 and 9 days of forced abstinence, during chlordiazepoxide treatment. Beta-EP and beta-LPH concentrations were normal on all four occasions. A reduced sensitivity of opioid receptors to acute alcohol administration due to chronic alcohol consumption is suggested.