Designing and evaluation of reliability and validity of a visual cue – induced craving assessment task for intravenous heroin users

Abstract

Introduction:we evaluate the effects of a diverse set of visual cues on subjective craving for intravenous heroin users (IHUs) then; we designed and assessed reliability and validity of a Visual Cue – Induced Craving Assessment Task (VCICT) for induction of subjective craving among IHUs.Methods:first, five sessions were held with IHUs groups to provide a list of visual signs that might evoke heroin craving. According to this list, needed photographs provided from real situations. Intravenous Heroin Users were asked to score the severity of their craving induced by each photo on a self report. Second, for designing of VCICT, we used ten most provocative cues. We used the Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms Checklist (OWSC) before and after exposure to cues, Barret Impulsivity Scale (BIS) and the Addiction Severity Index (ASI). 30 male IHUs entered this study before treatment.Results:packed and open powder of heroin, injecting syringe and act of injection had the largest effect on induction of craving. VCICT score was significantly correlated with drug component of ASI and the post exposure score in OWSC that shows the validity of task. Test–retest of cue exposure with one day interval showed higher level of reliability (82%). Responder group to VCICT (17 out of 30) showed higher level of cognitive impulsivity.Conclusion:These findings let researchers assess cue induced craving as the main predictor of treatment failure. Personality characteristics and addiction severity differences between responder and non-responders to cue induced craving demonstrate underlying structures of substance abuse.