Measuring Craving: An Attempt to Connect Subjective Craving with Cue Reactivity

Abstract

The JACQ reliably measures 1 dimension including 4 aspects of craving for distinct time frames. Despite the presence of a special subscale for physical sensations, only moderate relationships were found between self-reported craving and biological indicators of cue reactivity. These findings suggest individual differences between alcoholics in the detection and/or reporting of cue-related psychophysiological signs as indicators of cue reactivity. Further research should focus on the nature of these individual differences. In addition, more research is needed on the relative predictive validity of subjective phenotypic indicators of craving (such as self-reported craving) versus objective endophenotypic indicators of craving (such as physiological measures of cue reactivity) for example in the prediction of relapse.

The impact of craving and impulsivity on aggression in detoxified cocaine-dependent patients

“…It seems conceivable that the type of assessment of the multidimensional concepts may yield different outcomes (i.e., subjective craving vs. objective endophenotypic indicators of craving). This assumption suggests that the type of measurement and assessment techniques should be taken into consideration with regard to such an exploration of biological underlying processes (Ooteman, Koeter, Verheul, Schippers, & van den Brink, 2006). The third limitation addresses the homogeneity of the present sample.…”

Predictive value of obsessive-compulsive drinking scale (OCDS) for outcome in alcohol-dependent inpatients: results of a 24-month follow-up study

“…It comprises thoughts about alcohol and urges to drink alcohol and is associated with negative affect, depressed mood, distress or withdrawal symptoms (for review see Abrams) [1-7]. There is plethora of research on different forms of craving in substance use disorders [8-12], with some studies indicating that subjective craving is predictive of treatment outcome [13-19]. Patients in remission are particularly prone to alcohol-related cues or stress that may induce craving [20-23].…”

Two Scales to Evaluate Cocaine Craving

“…Although both scales are thought to evaluate similar constructs, the CCQ-Brief(Spanish) classifies craving as a ''state'' phenomenon (referred to as ''craving now,'' or a general desire for a substance at a particular point in time; Franken, Hendriks, and Van-den-Brink, 2002;Ooteman et al, 2006), and the PAD classifies craving as a "situational" phenomenon (i.e., an instant desire triggered by cues). "State" craving is associated with endogenous (within the individual) factors such as stress (Matto, 2005), affective states (Hogle and Curtin, 2006;Tiffany et al, 2000), and mood (West and Hajek, 2004).…”