Abatement of craving in recovering alcoholics: A descriptive analysis

Abstract

Craving is an important concept in addiction but it has been somewhat mired down in controversies about definition and measurement. This article attempts to clarify the relationship between drinking and craving in recovering alcoholics.

Data from two randomized clinical psychopharmacology trials were separately analyzed, a 12-week study of Nalmefene versus placebo (N = 105), and a 52-week maintenance study of Naltrexone versus placebo (N = 155).

No evidence of a drug versus placebo difference in overall drinking or craving outcome was found. A simple visual analog craving score was highly correlated (p<0.001) at multiple time points both with a multi-item craving instrument and with drinking. Alcohol dependent individuals who quit drinking had greater reduction in craving than did individuals who moderate their drinking (p ≤ 0.001). For abstinent alcoholics who continued in the trial, craving decreased by 50% in the first few weeks, 75% after two months, and 95% after one year. Knowledge of the potential decrease in craving may be of therapeutic benefit to alcohol dependent individuals contemplating abstinence.

• Alcoholism
• craving
• Randomized controlled trial (RCT)
• Naltrexone
• Nalmefene
• harm-reduction