The comparison of impulsivity and craving in stimulant-dependent, opiate-dependent and normal individuals

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to compare the severity of impulsivity and craving among stimulant-dependent (e.g. methamphetamine and crack) and opiate-dependent (e.g. opium and heroin) patients as well as normal subjects. Forty stimulant-dependent patients, 40 opiate-dependent patients, and 40 normal controls completed the Barratt impulsiveness scale-II (BIS-II) and the craving beliefs questionnaire (CBQ). The results showed that there were significant differences concerning the impulsivity and craving among the three groups. Stimulant-dependent and opiate-dependent patients had more impulsivity and craving than normal controls. Stimulant-dependent patients exceeded opiate-dependent ones on total impulsivity and its subscales except for cognitive impulsivity as well as craving. These findings indicated that increased impulsivity and craving in substance-dependent patients compared with normal community suggest the role of cognitive impairments in substance dependency. Also, impulsivity and craving may be more vulnerable factors to depend on stimulant than opiate substances.

KEYWORDS:

• Impulsivity
• craving
• dependence
• stimulant substances
• opiate substances

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Additional information

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Notes on contributors

Vahid Khosravani

All authors contributed to and have approved the final manuscript.