Craving and substance use among patients with alcohol, tobacco, cannabis or heroin addiction: a comparison of substance- and person-specific cues

Background and aims It is well established that craving increases following exposure to substance‐related ‘cues’, but the role of life‐styles or substance use habits that are unique to each person remains poorly understood. This study examines the association of substance‐specific and personal cues with craving and substance use in daily life. Design Ecological momentary assessment was used during a 2‐week period. Setting Data were collected in a French out‐patient addiction treatment centre. Participants A total of 132 out‐patients beginning treatment for alcohol, tobacco, cannabis or opiate addiction were included. Measurements Using mobile technologies, participants were questioned four times per day relative to craving, substance use and exposure to either substance‐specific cues (e.g. seeing a syringe) or personal cues unique to that individual (e.g. seeing the specific person with whom the substance is used). Findings Craving intensity was associated with the number of concurrently assessed substance‐specific cues (t = 4.418, P