Back to Search Start Over

Alcohol Craving as a Predictor of Relapse

Authors :
Susanna R. Stevens
Larissa L. Loukianova
Maureen S. Drews
Victor M. Karpyak
David A. Mrazek
Terry D. Schneekloth
Joanna M. Biernacka
Daniel K. Hall-Flavin
Jennifer R. Geske
Mark A. Frye
Source :
The American Journal on Addictions. 21:S20-S26
Publication Year :
2012
Publisher :
Wiley, 2012.

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Alcoholism treatment interventions, both psychosocial and pharmacologic, aim to reduce cravings to drink. Yet, the role of craving in treatment outcomes remains unclear. This study evaluated craving intensity measured with the Penn Alcohol Craving Scale (PACS) at admission and discharge from residential treatment as a predictive factor of relapse after treatment. Methods: The study cohort included 314 alcohol-dependent subjects. Associations between relapse after discharge, PACS score, and clinical variables were investigated using time-to-event analyses. The primary analysis, based on the intent-to-treat principle, presumed relapse in those declining follow-up or not responding to contact attempts. Secondary analysis utilized data from 226 subjects successfully contacted after discharge with a median follow-up time of 365 days. Results: The intent-to-treat analysis demonstrated that relapse was associated with higher level of craving at admission (p= .002) and discharge (p < .001). The analysis of data from patients successfully contacted after discharge led to similar results. A multivariable analysis indicated that relapse rates increased as PACS scores increased, and a higher discharge PACS score was significantly associated with relapse (p= .006) even after adjusting for covariates. Conclusions and Scientific Significance: This study demonstrates that higher PACS scores at the time of admission and discharge are associated with relapse following residential addiction treatment. These data support the role of craving in relapse and the utility of craving measurement as a clinical guide in assessing relapse risk. (Am J Addict 2012;21:S20–S26)

Details

ISSN :
10550496
Volume :
21
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
The American Journal on Addictions
Accession number :
edsair.doi...........1061c7ac634e3d9cee68cc16fed31ee9
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1521-0391.2012.00297.x