State-dependent memory
What you learn in one internal state comes back best in that same state.
What it means
Retrieval is enhanced when a person's internal physiological or pharmacological state at recall matches the state present during encoding, because that internal condition serves as a contextual cue. Demonstrated with alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, and other drugs, it parallels context-dependent memory but operates on internal rather than external cues. Like context effects, it is stronger for recall than recognition and can be asymmetric across states. The phenomenon has clinical relevance for substance use and for the carryover of skills learned under medication. It illustrates that the body's chemistry is part of the retrieval environment, not a neutral backdrop.
Examples
Material studied after a cup of coffee is recalled somewhat better when caffeinated again than when sober.
A drinker who hides cash while drunk cannot find it sober, then walks straight to the spot the next time they are drinking — body chemistry was part of the filing system.
A patient who learns a new physiotherapy routine while on strong painkillers may find the steps harder to bring back once the medication stops and the internal state changes.
First described in Goodwin et al. (1969); Eich (1980).