Craving sensation in the assessment of alcohol-dependent persons

Introduction: The aim of the study was to determine the level of craving in alcohol-dependent subjects, as well as the age and gender-related differences in its occurrence. The correlations between the feeling of craving and the variables that affect its occurrence, such as the need for reward, the desire for relief, or obsessive thoughts about drinking and compulsive behaviours were also analysed. Methods: The study was conducted in a group of 220 subjects, including 110 men and 110 women diagnosed with alcohol dependence syndrome (F10.2). The study was carried out in the third week of therapy, with the use of Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (YBOCS-hd), Penn Alcohol Craving Scale (PACS) and Craving Typology Questionnaire (CTQ). Results: No gender-related differences in the level of experienced craving and coping with it were found. However, numerous age-related differences in the prevalence of craving were observed. Younger subjects, in comparison to older ones, are characterised by more frequent occurrence of this symptom. The intensity and duration of craving sensations are also higher in the younger group. Conclusions: The approach to the problems of the occurrence of and coping with alcohol craving in the course of the therapy should be similar in men and women. However, there should be more focus on the working out of coping strategies, especially in the younger patients, because of the more frequent and intensive craving they experience, which poses a greater risk of relapse and recurrence of the problem