Predicting craving beliefs through abstinence self-efficacy components

Background: Craving is a complex phenomenon that significantly contributes to substance dependence and is influenced by various psychosocial cognitive factors, such as abstinence self-efficacy. Decreased abstinence self-efficacy might be associated with increased craving. Aim: the present study has aimed to predict craving beliefs by reference to abstinence self-efficacy components, namely withdrawal, physical discomfort, social interactions and negative affect. Methods: for this purpose, 183 male addicts in Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) who had been randomly selected from five MMT centres in Isfahan, Iran, participated in this study. To collect data, the Persian versions of the Drug Abstinence Self-efficacy Scale (DASS) and Craving Beliefs Questionnaire (CBQ) were administered to the participants. Results: the results of regression analysis revealed that, out of the four components of abstinence self-efficacy, two, namely social interactions and negative affect, were able to predict craving beliefs. Conclusions: With regard to negative affect, psychologists and therapists who are working with these patients might be able to successfully show them how to elevate their mood, regulate their emotions effectively and cope with the withdrawal complications. In connection with social interactions, such patients should be taught how to respond to friends who encourage them to use substances, and how to be cautious in forming friendly relationships and having social interactions with others in order to avoid resuming substance use.