In order to determine whether the 'incubation of craving' phenomenon also occurred in alcoholics, investigators employed an experimental approach to investigate the time course of cue-induced craving in alcoholism. Eighty male participants were randomly divided into Four groups, and they were assessed at 7, 14, 30, and 60 days of abstinence for cue-induced alcohol craving . Another group including 19 patients was repeatedly tested for the cue-induced alcohol craving at the above abstinence days. Other psychological and physiological measures were administered at the four abstinence time points.
All subjects provided written informed consent after a full explanation of the protocol design.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
99
changes of alcohol craving measured with visual analogue scales
Time frame: abstained from alcohol for 7 days, 14 days, 30 days and 60 days
heart rate changes
Time frame: 7, 14, 30 and 60 days after abstained
blood pressure changes in different abstinence days
Time frame: 7, 14, 30 and 60 days after abstained
skin conductance changes in different abstinence days
Time frame: 7, 14, 30 and 60 days after abstained
changes of Alcohol Urge Questionnaire
Time frame: 7, 14, 30 and 60 days after abstained
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.