It's the thought that counts: craving metacognitions and their role in abstinence from methamphetamine use.
Craving is frequently reported as a trigger for relapse by those trying to remain abstinent from psychoactive substances. Metacognitive beliefs about managing craving may play an important role in determining further cognition and behavior. They are, therefore, important to measure in treatment and may serve as target cognitions to be modified in support of behavioral change. As part of the assessment battery of a randomized controlled trial among 214 methamphetamine users, we included the Craving Beliefs Questionnaire (CBQ), a measure designed to assess an individual's perception of the potential negative impact of craving, at baseline. Changes in abstinence rates were significantly related to CBQ score, suggesting that craving beliefs are associated with changes in methamphetamine use. Further validation of the CBQ is warranted. Future clinical research among methamphetamine users could focus on directly manipulating craving beliefs through cognitive therapy to affect abstinence.
Lee
Nicole K
NK
Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3065, Australia. nicole.lee@turningpoint.org.au
Pohlman
Sonja
S
Baker
Amanda
A
Ferris
Jason
J
Kay-Lambkin
Frances
F
D019969:Amphetamine-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001364:Awareness; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D003376:Counseling; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D007600:Judgment; D008694:Methamphetamine / Q000009:adverse effects; D009042:Motivation; D009517:New South Wales; D010352:Patient Dropouts / Q000523:psychology; D011793:Queensland; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013695:Temperance / Q000523:psychology
D008694:Methamphetamine