Examining Associations Between Negative Affect and Substance Use in Treatment-Seeking Samples: a Review of Studies Using Intensive Longitudinal Methods

AbstractPurpose of ReviewUnderstanding dynamic relationships between negative affect and substance use disorder (SUD) outcomes, including craving, may help inform adaptive and personalized interventions. Recent studies using intensive longitudinal methods were reviewed to examine relationships between negative affect and the outcomes of either craving or substance use during and following SUD treatment.Recent FindingsResults on associations between negative affect and craving/substance use were mixed and difficult to synthesize, given methodological differences across studies. The strength and direction of these relationships varied across outcomes, subgroups, contexts, and time course.SummaryThe current literature is mixed concerning negative affect and craving/substance use associations during and following SUD treatment. Researchers should increasingly recruit diverse individuals, for example, samples of varying racial and ethnic backgrounds and those reporting co-occurring disorders and polysubstance use. Experimental, qualitative, and person-specific methods will improve our understanding of relationships between negative affect and substance-related outcomes during SUD treatment.

Source: Current Addiction Reports - September 23, 2022 Category: Addiction Source Type: research