Experimental manipulation of cocaine craving by videotaped environmental cues

Thirteen male patients consecutively admitted to an inpatient drug and alcohol rehabilitation hospital with the primary diagnosis of crack cocaine dependence were shown a 30-minute videotape that included salient environmental cues intended to elicit cocaine craving. The subjects were tested before and after the videotape by the use of a continuous 20-cm analogue visual instrument that asks them to rate their perceived degree of craving, mood, energy, and wellness. Only craving showed a statistically significant change from pretest to posttest. Correlations among the four separate ratings suggest that mood and craving are different dimensions that independently contribute to one's general sense of well-being. This study demonstrates that cocaine craving can be induced in a group setting by presenting certain visual and auditory cues on a video monitor. The procedure of obtaining self-ratings in response to videotaped environmental cues could be easily incorporated into research methods designed to assess pharmacologic efficacy in reducing the intense craving that reinforces addiction.