Do time in abstinence, emotional intelligence and psychopathology predict the sensation of craving in persons with SUD?

Abstract

Introduction

Substance use is a global health problem. Craving is one of the main predictors of relapse. If the presence of psychopathology and the deficit of emotional intelligence are combined, the course and outcome of the disease can worsen.

Objective

The aim is to analyze the impact of time in abstinence, psychopathology, and emotional intelligence on the sensation of the craving in people with substance use disorders in treatment, comparing two methodologies (hierarchical linear regressions and comparative qualitative analysis).

Method

The participants, after signing the informed consent, were assessed in abstinence, psychopathology (SA-45), emotional intelligence (TMMS-24), and craving.

Results

The results showed that craving was positively associated with psychopathology, shorter abstinence times, and younger age. Increased emotional attention was associated with increased psychopathology. Craving was explained by less time in abstinence using hierarchical regression models. In QCA models, high levels of craving were predicted by the interaction between high levels of psychopathology, shorter abstinence times, lower emotional repair, and high emotional attention. Low levels of craving were due to less psychopathology, prolonged abstinence, and emotional intelligence.

Conclusion

The methodologies are complementary because combining them makes it easier to understand the problem of consumption.