The effect of alcohol consumption on imaginal and cue-exposure manipulations of smoking urges: Self-report and physiological indices

Susan M Burton, Purdue University

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of ethanol on smokers' reactivity to smoking-related and neutral stimuli manipulated through imaginal and in vivo modes of presentation. Measures included self-reported craving to smoke and selected somatovisceral responses. Subjects (n = 60) completed two sessions, the first examined cue reactivity in the absence of alcohol. In Session 2, subjects were told they were consuming alcohol; half received a placebo and the other half were given ethanol (.75 ml/kg). Following beverage consumption, subjects were exposed to the cue manipulation. Results showed that, in both sessions, exposure to smoking stimuli enhanced craving to smoke across both modes of presentation and increased skin conductance levels in the in vivo mode. Alcohol intoxication produced a generalized increase in craving comparable in magnitude across cigarette and neutral stimuli and across both modes of presentation. Intoxication did not selectively enhance craving or physiological reactivity to smoking stimuli. The results are discussed in terms of models of craving and processes through which alcohol may influence craving to smoke.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Tiffany, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Psychotherapy

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