Yonsei Med J.  2006 Aug;47(4):491-497. 10.3349/ymj.2006.47.4.491.

Differences of Photographs Inducing Craving Between Alcoholics and Non-alcoholics

• Lee E
• Namkoong K
• Lee CH
• An SK
• Lee BO

• KMID: 1779498
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3349/ymj.2006.47.4.491

Abstract

Many researchers have used cue reactivity paradigm to study alcohol craving. But the difference of craving response to drinks between alcoholic patients and social drinkers was little evaluated. To investigate characteristics of alcohol-related visual cues which induce alcohol craving in alcoholism, we examined the response of subjects to alcohol-related cues considering qualitative aspects. The authors developed 27 photographs related to alcohol as candidate visual cues. Thirty five patients with alcohol dependence, 35 heavy drinkers and 35 social drinkers were shown these pictures and asked to rate these 6 pictures in order of inducing alcohol craving the most. 'A glass of Soju' and 'A Party scene' were chosen as the alcohol-related visual cues which induced craving the most in the patients and heavy drinkers, respectively. The results suggest that the patients with alcohol dependence are more absorbed by alcohol without drinking context such as an atmosphere or situation involving drinking. Heavy drinkers may experience craving in anticipation of being in a drinking situation.

Keyword

Alcoholism; alcohol craving; alcohol cues

MeSH Terms

Photic Stimulation
*Motivation
Middle Aged
Male
Humans
Female
*Drinking Behavior
Cues
Brain/*physiopathology
Behavior
Alcoholism/*pathology/psychology
Alcoholic Intoxication
Alcoholic Beverages
*Alcohol Drinking
Adult