Serum Corticotrophin Releasing Factor (CRF) and its correlation with stress and craving in detoxified opioid-dependent subjects.

Corticotrophin Releasing Factor (CRF) might be suitable as biological measure of stress as it is implicated directly in both central neurological and endocrine stress-response. The study aims to compare serum CRF levels and perceived stress in opioid-dependent subjects (n = 53) with non-using controls (n = 47) and to correlate them with general and instantaneous craving (in cases only). Perceived stress score and serum CRF levels were significantly higher among the users. No significant correlation with craving was found. The significant difference in serum CRF levels indicate feasibility of measuring CRF levels in peripheral fluids and asserts its role as biochemical measure of stress.