A Network Analysis of Cigarette Craving

Abstract

Background Craving is considered a central process to addictive behavior including cigarette smoking, although the clinical utility of craving relies on how it is defined and measured. Network analysis enables examining the network structure of craving symptoms, to identify the most central symptoms of cigarette craving, to improve our understanding of craving and its measurement. Methods This study used network analysis to identify the central symptoms of self-reported cigarette craving as measured by the Craving Experiences Questionnaire, which assesses both craving strength and craving frequency. Data were obtained from baseline of a randomized controlled trial of mindfulness training for smoking cessation. Results The most central symptoms in an overall cigarette craving network were the frequency of imagining its smell, imagining its taste, and intrusive thoughts. The most central symptoms of both craving frequency and craving strength subnetworks were imagining its taste, the urge to have it, and intrusive thoughts. Conclusions The most central craving symptoms reported by individuals in treatment for cigarette smoking were from the frequency domain, demonstrating the value of assessing craving frequency along with craving strength. Central craving symptoms included multisensory imagery (taste, smell), intrusive thoughts, and urge, providing additional evidence that these symptoms may be important to consider in craving measurement and intervention. Findings provide insight into the symptoms that are central to craving, contributing to a better understanding of cigarette craving, and suggest potential targets for clinical interventions. Implications This study used network analysis to identify central symptoms of cigarette craving. Both craving frequency and strength were assessed. The most central symptoms of cigarette craving were related to craving frequency. Central symptoms included multisensory imagery, intrusive thoughts, and urge. Central symptoms might be targeted by smoking cessation treatment.

Network state dynamics underpin craving in a transdiagnostic population

“…The dynamic properties of craving indeed demonstrate important clinical relevance. In addition to craving intensity, dynamic changes in craving over time were linked to substance use (22)(23)(24)(25)(26). As time-varying changes in the brain support evolving affective/motivational experiences (5)(6), there is a need to understand better how brain dynamics underlie craving.…”