Author:
Cless Mallory M.,Courchesne-Krak Natasia S.,Bhatt Kush V.,Mittal Maria Luisa,Marienfeld Carla B.
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Craving has been implicated as a central feature of addiction and a predictor of relapse. However, a complete understanding of how craving varies across patient populations is lacking. This study aimed to better inform the effective and accurate use of craving as a clinical prognostic tool for patients with substance use disorders (SUD).
Methods
This cross-sectional study utilized information gathered on patients (n = 112) entering specialty treatment for a SUD. Craving in the prior 30 days was assessed with a single item with other intake questionnaires.
Results
Patients who reported substance use in the last 30 days were more likely to report craving compared to patients who did not report substance use in the last 30 days (AOR = 6.86 [95% CI 2.17–21.7], p-value = 0.001). Patients who reported Hispanic/Latinx ethnicity were less likely to report craving compared to patients who did not report Hispanic/Latinx ethnicity (AOR = 0.28 [95% CI 0.08–0.95], p-value = 0.04). There was no association between craving and Adverse Childhood Events (OR = 1.03 [95% CI 0.84–1.25], p-value = 0.81).
Conclusion
The association between recent substance use and craving supports previous findings. The observed variation in craving among patients who report Hispanic/Latinx ethnicity is novel and suggests socio-cultural influences and possibly genetic factors influencing reported craving amongst patients. Additional research is needed to further understand the underlying factors leading to this finding, in order for better utilization of craving as a clinical indicator across patient populations.
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
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