Do we really need two sessions?: The use of a structured interview as a trauma cue reactivity paradigm.

OBJECTIVES: Derived from classical conditioning theory and rooted in motivational mechanisms, cue reactivity paradigms (CRPs) are used in addictions research to measure participants' propensities for substance-relevant responses (e.g., craving) during exposure to substance-relevant cues (e.g., drug paraphernalia). CRPs are also useful in PTSD-addiction comorbidity research, allowing the study of affective and substance-relevant responses to trauma cues. However, studies using traditional CRPs are time-consuming with high attrition rates due to repeat testing. Thus, we sought to test whether a single session semi-structured trauma interview could serve as a CRP in terms of eliciting theorized cue exposure effects on craving and affect measures. METHOD: Fifty regular cannabis users with trauma histories provided detailed descriptions of their most traumatic lifetime experience, and a neutral experience, according to an established interview protocol. Linear mixed models examined the effect of cue type (trauma vs. neutral) on affective and craving responses. RESULTS: As hypothesized, the trauma interview elicited significantly greater cannabis craving (and alcohol craving among the drinkers), and, greater negative affect among those with more severe PTSD symptoms, compared to the neutral interview. CONCLUSION: Results suggest an established semi-structured interview may function effectively as a CRP for use in trauma and addictions research.

Links Between Romantic Relationship Dysfunction and Drinking Behaviors Are Moderated by Gender and Age.

OBJECTIVE: Romantic relationship dysfunction is a risk for subsequent alcohol use, with some research suggesting gender differences in this link. We evaluated how different aspects of relationship dysfunction are related to different drinking behaviors and whether these associations vary by gender. We further examined the role of age as a potential moderator of this gender difference. METHOD: Qualtrics Panelists (N = 1,470; 50% women) who were in a romantic relationship and regularly consumed alcohol completed an online survey. The sample was wide-ranging in age (range: 18-85 years old; M = 46.64, SD = 11.95). Participants reported drinking about 10 drinks per week, on average (SD = 11.01). RESULTS: Five factor scores were constructed from relationship predictors (relationship distress, intrusion/jealousy, and disagreements) and drinking outcomes (consumption and coping motives). Moderation analyses indicated several significant two-way interactions between relationship dysfunction, gender, and age when predicting alcohol outcomes. Of note, the positive associations between relationship distress and both consumption and coping motives were stronger among younger than older individuals and among men than women (consistent with an externalizing stress perspective). A significant three-way interaction suggested that, for women, associations between intrusion/jealousy and coping motives were strongest at younger ages, consistent with an interpersonal sensitivity perspective. Conversely, for men, these associations were stronger at older ages, consistent with an externalizing stress perspective. CONCLUSIONS: Men and younger individuals should be of particular focus when designing and testing interventions for drinking in response to relationship distress and disagreements. Younger women and older men may benefit from interventions focused on drinking to cope with relationship jealousy and electronic intrusions.