Co-occurrence of alcohol use disorder and behavioral addictions: relevance of impulsivity and craving. (1st March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Di Nicola, Marco; Tedeschi, Daniela; De Risio, Luisa; Pettorruso, Mauro; Martinotti, Giovanni; Ruggeri, Filippo; Swierkosz-Lenart, Kevin; Guglielmo, Riccardo; Callea, Antonino; Ruggeri, Giuseppe; Pozzi, Gino; Di Giannantonio, Massimo; Janiri, Luigi
• Is Part Of: Drug and alcohol dependence. Volume 148(2015)
• Page Start: 118
• Page End: 125
• Publication Date: 2015-03-01
• Subjects: Alcohol use disorder -- Gambling disorder -- Behavioral addictions -- Impulsivity -- Craving -- Internet addiction; Drug abuse -- Periodicals; Alcoholism -- Periodicals; 616.86
• DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.12.028
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0376-8716

Abstract

Highlights: A significantly higher rate of behavioral addictions among alcohol use disorder subjects compared to controls was observed. Alcohol use disorder patients reported significantly higher scores on scales for gambling disorder, compulsive buying and sexual addiction, as compared to controls. We found an overlap between different addictive behaviors. Alcohol use disorder subjects with co-occurring behavioral addictions experienced more severe impulsivity and alcohol craving. Abstract: Purpose: The aims of the study were to evaluate the occurrence of behavioral addictions (BAs) in alcohol use disorder (AUD) subjects and to investigate the role of impulsivity, personality dimensions and craving. Methods: 95 AUD outpatients (DSM-5) and 140 homogeneous controls were assessed with diagnostic criteria and specific tests for gambling disorder, compulsive buying, sexual, internet and physical exercise addictions, as well as with the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) and Temperamental and Character Inventory–Revised (TCI-R). The Obsessive Compulsive Drinking Scale (OCDS) and Visual Analogue Scale for craving (VASc) were also administered to the AUD sample. Results: 28.4% ( n = 27) of AUD subjects had at least one BA, as compared to 15% ( n = 21) of controls ( χ 2 = 6.27; p = .014). In AUD subjects, direct correlations between BIS-11 and Compulsive Buying Scale (CBS), Internet Addiction Disorder test (IAD), Exercise Addiction Inventory-Short Form (EAI-SF) scores ( p < .01), between OCDS obsessive and CBS and VASc and CBS, IAD scores ( p < .003), were found. BIS-11 ( t = −2.36; p = .020), OCDS obsessive ( Z = −4.13; p < .001), OCDS compulsive ( Z = −2.12; p = .034) and VASc ( Z = −4.94; p < .001) scores were higher in AUD subjects with co-occurring BAs. The occurrence of BAs was associated with higher impulsivity traits (BIS-11 scores; OR = 1.08; p = .012) and higher craving levels (VASc scores; OR = 2.48; p < .001). Conclusions: Our findings emphasize a significant rate of co-occurrence of BAs in AUD. High levels of impulsivity and craving for alcohol seem to be associated with other addictive behaviors.