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Clinician's Research Digest

Briefings in Behavioral Science, Volume 18, Number 11, p. 1, A9 2000 by the American Psychological Association Life Hassles Predict Drug Cravings Article Ames, S. C. [Mayo Clinic, Nicotine Research Ctr., Colonial Bldg., 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905, & Roitzsch, J. C. (2000).

The impact of minor stressful life events and social support on cravings: A study of inpatients receiving treatment for substance dependence. Addictive Behaviors. Summary Clinical lore suggests that abuse of medications, alcohol, or illicit drugs often occurs in response to stress. Although the impact of major life events on substance abuse has been examined, little is known about how minor stressors or "life hassles" affect substance use or drug cravings.

This study examined the relation of drug cravings to minor stressors and social support. Participants were 39 inpatients in treatment for substance dependence. Minor stressors, social support, and cravings were measured with questionnaires. Both the number and perceived severity of minor stressful events predicted drug cravings. However, perceived social support moderated the impact of minor stress on cravings. The authors suggest that stress management techniques and increases in functional social support may improve treatment outcomes by decreasing cravings.  

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