Previous research has suggested that trait mindfulness may buffer the effects of internal states of craving on drinking decisions. A new study examined whether cue-induced cravings are associated with increased alcohol demand, an effect that would be weakened among drinkers who have higher levels of mindfulness. Participants (N = 69) were student drinkers attending an urban university campus. Participants completed a series of measures and assessments as well as an alcohol purchase task. Alcohol craving was measured using an alcohol craving questionnaire and mindfulness was measured using the Philadelphia Mindfulness Scale (PHLMS). As for the Alcohol Purchase Task (APT), it was used to measure demand for alcohol. The authors used analyses of variance (ANOVAs) for data analysis. Results showed that participants exhibited significant increases in craving, following exposure to alcohol cues, but not following exposure to neutral cues (p < 0.001). Furthermore, elevated alcohol cue-induced craving was related to higher demand for alcohol as measured by APT intensity, (p < 0.006). The awareness subscale of the PHLMS yielded only a marginally significant effect as a predictor of alcohol demand (p= 0.089). On the other hand, there was a significant interaction effect between the acceptance sub scale and cue-induced craving on APT breakpoint (p < 0.031). Such findings revealed that acceptance buffered the effects of cue-induced craving on APT breakpoint.
Take away: This study found that cue-induced craving was related to higher alcohol demand. In addition, the acceptance component of mindfulness buffered the effects of cue-induced craving on alcohol demand.