Assessing Cravings Among Individuals with Alcohol Dependence Syndrome Prescribed with Anti-craving Medication: A Prospective Observational Study.

Abstract

Background: Alcohol Dependence Syndrome (ADS) is a prevalent condition marked by difficulty controlling alcohol use, with significant global health impacts. Despite the effectiveness of anti-craving medications like Naltrexone, Acamprosate, Baclofen, Ondansetron, and Topiramate, these medications remain underutilized by healthcare providers. This study aims to assess the relationship between craving and relapse rates among individuals prescribed anti-craving medications and to explore the correlation between medication dosage and craving severity.

Methods: This was a prospective observational cohort study in which individuals prescribed anti-craving medications were monitored over three months. The study utilized the Penn Alcohol Craving Scale (PACS) to measure craving intensity and the Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS) to assess medication adherence. Alcohol use patterns were categorized into relapse, lapse, abstinence, and active use based on predefined operational definitions.

Results: Participants were between 30 and 50 years old and predominantly male. Severe dependence was observed in the majority of cases, and baclofen was prescribed to most participants. Pearson's correlation between Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire (SADQ-C) and PACS scores was r = 0.304 (p = .017), and MARS scores significantly predicted PACS scores (R = 0.757, R ² = 0.573, p < .001). Most participants were in the action phase, with a significant proportion maintaining abstinence. However, relapse rates increased as the study progressed. Overall, adherence to anti-craving medications reduced cravings and facilitated abstinence.

Conclusions: The research noted a significant reduction in craving in individuals receiving anti-craving medications. Nevertheless, no statistically significant correlation was identified between the dosage of Baclofen and PACS scores.