Article
Cue Reactivity and Effects of Cue Exposure in Abstinent Posttreatment Drug Users,☆☆

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0740-5472(98)00004-XGet rights and content

Abstract

After 12 months of inpatient treatment, 16 opiate-addicted patients were exposed to drug-related stimuli. The results of this study indicate that cue reactivity in opiate-addicted subjects is still present after 12 months of intensive inpatient treatment. After exposing subjects to drug-related stimuli, there is an increase in craving, feelings of depression, and anger. Because posttreatment subjects are likely to be confronted with these stimuli following discharge, a reduction of this reactivity is desirable. In the present study, cue reactivity (feelings of depression, anger, tension, craving, and physical symptoms) reduced after protocolized cue exposure treatment. This effect maintained for at least 6 weeks after the last cue exposure session.

Keywords

addiction
cue exposure
cue reactivity
opiate dependence
craving

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This study has been conducted at the Psychiatric Centre Bloemendaal, Substance Abuse Treatment Unit.

☆☆

This research was supported by grants of the “Stichting tot Steun van Vereniging Bennekom” and NFGV (Nationial Fund Mental Health) grant 4325. Thanks are extended to the staff and patients of the Psychiatric Centre Bloemendaal Substance Abuse Treatment Unit for their support. In addition, we thank Irma Huijbrechts, Janet de Vries, and Ada Kwakkelstein for their help in the preparation of the manuscript.

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