Desire thinking as an underlying mechanism in alcohol use disorder and nicotine dependence

Abstract

Desire thinking is an emerging construct in the addictive behaviours literature. No research, to date, has investigated its contribution to problematic alcohol use and nicotine dependence in patient samples when accounting for established predictors of addictive behaviours. The present study sought to clarify, in patient samples, the relative contribution of desire thinking in the associations between negative affect, impulsivity and thought suppression on the one hand and craving, problematic alcohol use and nicotine dependence on the other. To achieve this goal, two groups of individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) (n = 370; age range = 15–67 years) and nicotine dependence (n = 365; age range = 17–75 years) were selected, and measures of negative affect, impulsivity, thought suppression, craving, desire thinking, problematic alcohol use and nicotine dependence were completed by both groups. Results showed that in both groups, negative affect and thought suppression indirectly affected alcohol and nicotine craving, problematic alcohol use and nicotine dependence through the mediating role of desire thinking. The present study shows the independent role of desire thinking in predicting problematic alcohol use and nicotine dependence in patient samples, indicating its potential relevance for treatment.

The role of desire thinking in the problematic use of social networking sites among adults

“…These results are consistent with earlier studies, which reported an association between desire thinking and addictive behaviors ( Caselli & Spada, 2015 ), including problematic SNS use ( Khosravaniet al, 2022 , Solemet al, 2021 ), problematic Facebook use ( Marino et al, 2019 ), problematic internet use ( Spada et al, 2014 ), problematic internet pornography use ( Allenet al, 2017 , Brandtner and Brand, 2021 ), and Internet Gaming Disorder ( Aydınet al, 2022 , Brandtneret al, 2020 , Brandtner and Brand, 2021 , Dragan and Grajewski, 2021 ).…”

“…We acknowledge that the potential relationship between desire thinking, negative affect, and impulsivity may blur the lines of the prominence of desire thinking in predicting craving and addictive patterns of behavior. However, desire thinking was found to play an independent role in problematic social media use ( Sharifi et al, 2022 ), Alcohol Use Disorder, and nicotine dependence ( Khosravaniet al, 2022 ), regardless of negative affect and impulsivity. Additionally, the existing literature has shown that boredom may be a potential predictor of problematic SNS use ( Li et al, 2015 ).…”

Nursing Interventions in the Management of Mental Health and Alcohol Use Disorders: A Comprehensive Review

“…Regarding various challenges and stressors among homeless individuals that increase tobacco use as a coping mechanism [30], some factors, such as high-stress levels, social isolation, and limited resources, contribute to higher tobacco use rates in low-income populations [30]. Hence, treating nicotine dependence is essential for the well-being of homeless individuals with AUDs [31]. Integrated treatment approaches by targeting both alcohol and nicotine dependence, as well as addressing the underlying causes of homelessness, could improve outcomes [31].…”

“…Hence, treating nicotine dependence is essential for the well-being of homeless individuals with AUDs [31]. Integrated treatment approaches by targeting both alcohol and nicotine dependence, as well as addressing the underlying causes of homelessness, could improve outcomes [31]. Indeed, providing resources and support to reduce tobacco-related health risks is crucial for this vulnerable population [30,31].…”