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Review
. 1999;23(3):197-206.

Approaching avoidance. A step essential to the understanding of craving

M J Breiner  1 , W G Stritzke, A R Lang
Affiliations
Review

Approaching avoidance. A step essential to the understanding of craving

M J Breiner et al. Alcohol Res Health. 1999.

Erratum in

  • Alcohol Res Health 1999;23(4):249

Abstract

Craving is only one component of the mental processes that influence drinking behavior. Alcohol-related cues (ARCs) can set in motion a dynamic competition between inclinations to approach drinking and inclinations to avoid drinking. Craving can thus be integrated into a comprehensive model of decision-making in which ambivalence or conflict is a key element. The relative strength of each component of the ARC reaction can fluctuate over time as well as in response to both subjective states and environmental circumstances. Simultaneously and independently evaluating these opposing responses puts clinicians in a better position to influence the relative weight that the patient assigns to the positive and negative outcomes of alcohol consumption.

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Figures

None
A multidimensional model of inclinations to drink or not drink. Dashed lines represent factors that promote alcohol avoidance, whereas solid lines represent factors that promote the desire to approach alcohol. This table depicts only the most essential connections with regard to historical factors, expectancies, motivations, and decisions in alcohol use, although other connections may exist.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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