Cue reactivity and effects of cue exposure in abstinent posttreatment drugusers

After 12 months of inpatient treatment, 16 opiate-addicted patients were ex posed to drug-related stimuli. The results of this study indicate that cue reactivity in opiate-addicted subjects is still present after 12 months of intensive inpatient treatment. After exposing subjects to drug-related stim uli, there is an increase in craving feelings of depression, and anger. Bec ause posttreatment subjects are likely to be confronted with these stimuli following discharge, a reduction of this reactivity is desirable. In the pr esent study, cue reactivity (feelings of depression, anger, tension, cravin g, and physical symptoms) reduced after protocolized cue exposure treatment . This effect maintained for at least 6 weeks after the last cue exposure s ession. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Inc..