Craving: explanatory models, associated factors, and therapeutic approaches: A systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: the diagnostic criteria of craving for substance use addition disorder was included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-5 in 2013. However, this remains a complex phenomenon that requires further attention. Objective: the present study aimed to review explanatory models of craving, describe the factors involved in the anxiety of maintaining an addictive behavior and point out the treatments that have been proposed so far to control craving. Method: systematic review of literature oriented according to the criteria of Cochrane Collaboration, included 100 articles selected from keywords and Boolean search engines in the databases of Scielo, Dialnet, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science and EBSCOhost. Results: craving represents a phenomenon of great complexity underlying all kinds of addictive behavior, which is interpreted from different models such as: neurobiological, tolerance and abstinence, emotional regulation, learning and conditioning, information processing and meeting needs. Likewise, multiple factors associated with the phenomenon are evident from the cognitive, emotional, social and environmental aspects, forcing the search for and implementation of therapeutic approaches of a broad range from pharmacological, cognitive-behavioral to innovative with virtual reality and mindfulness. Conclusions: contribution of the diagnostic criteria of craving obliges to consider the integral and interdisciplinary intervention and prevention processes, aimed at addressing biopsychosocial and environmental factors and aspects to optimize recovery and prevent relapses in both chemical and behavioral addictions.Keywords: craving, chemical and behavioral addictions, explanatory models, biopsychosocial factors, therapeutic approaches.