Abstract

ABSTRACT: Thirteen male patients consecutively admitted to an inpatient drug and alcohol rehabilitation hospital with the primary diagnosis of crack cocaine dependence were shown a 30-minute videotape that included salient environmental cues intended to elicit cocaine craving. The subjects were tested before and after the videotape by the use of a continuous 20-cm analogue visual instrument that asks them to rate their perceived degree of craving, mood, energy, and wellness. Only craving showed a statistically significant change from pretest to posttest. Correlations among the four separate ratings suggest that mood and craving are different dimensions that independently contribute to one's general sense of well-being. This study demonstrates that cocaine craving can be induced in a group setting by presenting certain visual and auditory cues on a video monitor. The procedure of obtaining self-ratings in response to videotaped environmental cues could be easily incorporated into research methods designed to assess pharmacologic efficacy in reducing the intense craving that reinforces addiction.