Approaching avoidance - A step essential to the understanding of craving

Craving is only one component of the mental processes that influence drinki ng behavior. Alcohol-related cues (ARCs) can set in motion a dynamic compet ition between inclinations to approach drinking and inclinations to avoid d rinking-Craving can thus be integrated into a comprehensive model of decisi onmaking in which ambivalence or conflict is a key element. The relative st rength of each component of the ARC reaction can fluctuate over time as wel l as in response to both subjective states and environmental circumstances. Simultaneously and independently evaluating these opposing responses puts clinicians in a better position to influence the relative weight that the p atient assigns to the positive and negative outcomes of alcohol consumption .