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Background:  Although decision‐making processes have become a principal target of study among addiction researchers, few studies have specifically examined decision‐making among individuals with alcohol dependence (AD) and findings to date are mixed. The present study examined the relationship between AD and decision‐making, and tested whether different facets of antisocial and psychopathic traits explain this association.

Methods:  Participants were men with AD (n = 22), AD and comorbid antisocial personality disorder (AD + ASPD; n = 17), or a history of recreational alcohol use, but no current or lifetime symptoms of a substance use disorder, conduct disorder, or ASPD (n = 21). Decision‐making was tested using the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT).

Results:  Across groups, participants reported similar levels of awareness of the contingencies of the task, but the AD groups with and without …