Craving in Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid Use Disorder: multidimensional Assessment Before and After Detoxification and Its Association with Relapse
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background Gamma-Hydroxybutyric (GHB) acid is a highly addictive recreational drug. People who develop GHB use disorder (GUD) show poor treatment outcomes with relapse rates of over 50% within three months after detoxification. Craving is an important predictor of relapse but has received limited attention in patients with GUD. This study aimed to (1) describe craving levels before and after detoxification and (2) assess the predictive value of craving for relapse in patients with GUD.Methods Data from a multicenter prospective study of patients with GUD (n = 128) at six Dutch addiction facilities were analyzed. The Desire Thinking Questionnaire (DTQ) and Desires for Drug Questionnaire (DDQ) were used to assess craving. Differences over time were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. A binary logistic regression was performed to assess the predictive value of craving for relapse three months after detoxification.Results 32 patients (45%) relapsed within three months after detoxification. Craving decreased after detoxification (p < 0.001). The DTQ scores showed a significant decrease ranging between 39.9% and 48.1%. The DDQ scores decreased with 19.5% to 52.7%, with the largest decrease on the subscale “Desire and Intention.” Only the DDQ total score after detoxification negatively predicted relapse (p = 0.05).Conclusion This study showed that patients with GUD experience high levels of craving, which decrease after detoxification. Furthermore, as for other addictions, craving levels seems relevant for the risk of relapse, though explained variance was limited. Future studies should further explore craving and other potential contributors to the high relapse rates observed in GUD.
Source: Substance Use & Misuse
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4416890504