Reactivity to alcohol‐related stimuli in the laboratory and in the field: predictors of craving in treated alcoholics

• DOI: 10.1046/j.1360-0443.2000.9568896.x
• Publication Date: 2003-03-10T10:18:55Z
• Authors: Mark D. Litt; Ned L. Cooney; Priscilla Morse
• Keywords: Cue reactivity; Alcohol use disorder; Reactivity

Aims. (1) To search for predictors of alcohol craving in treated alcoholics; (2) to evaluate the relationship between and drinking immediately after treatment. Design. Alcoholic patients treatment underwent cue–reactivity trials laboratory then recorded field using hand‐held computers. Laboratory was correlated with field, moods situations were contemporaneous ratings a multi‐level correlational design. Setting. A VA Medical Center substance abuse program provided settings. The patients’ home environment setting. Participants. Male alcohol‐dependent veterans ( N = 26) inpatient or intensive outpatient program. Intervention. Participants two sessions prior discharge measure craving. Following discharge, participants cravings eight times per day 21 consecutive days. Measurements. Craving multiple recordings surroundings, mood state field. Findings. Desire drink accounted 8–10% variance later urges field—a modest correlation. Frequency positive significantly frequency. Those who reported had greater dependence higher trait anger anxiety scores than non‐reporters. Conclusions. is related following treatment, most likely those have more severe disturbance. These individuals may benefit from interventions coping