Dataset Information

Acute Effect of Eating Sweets on Alcohol Cravings in a Sample with At-Risk Drinking.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:Alcohol craving, or the desire to drink alcohol, has been identified as a key experience preceding alcohol use. Alcoholics Anonymous has long claimed that individuals can allay alcohol cravings by eating sweets. Empirical tests of this strategy are limited to a few preclinical studies in rats, and there is no existing experiment testing the acute effect of eating sweets on alcohol cravings in humans. PURPOSE:The current study sought to experimentally test the acute effect of eating sweets on alcohol cravings in a sample with at-risk drinking. METHODS:After being exposed to an alcohol cue, individuals with at-risk drinking (N = 150) were randomly assigned to eat sweets (n = 60), eat calorie-equivalent bland food (n = 60), or watch a video (n = 30). Caloric amounts were manipulated. Individuals with at-risk drinking were then exposed to a second alcohol cue. Changes in alcohol cravings from after the first to after the second alcohol cue were measured via visual analog scale and heart rate. RESULTS:There were no significant between-group differences in changes in alcohol cravings. Caloric amounts did not modify effects. CONCLUSIONS:Experimental findings did not provide evidence to support the clinical lore that eating sweets can reduce alcohol cravings, albeit only acutely and for those with at-risk drinking. Other empirically supported strategies for managing alcohol cravings (e.g., pharmacotherapies, mindfulness) could instead be promoted.

SUBMITTER: Cummings JR

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7309582 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Acute Effect of Eating Sweets on Alcohol Cravings in a Sample with At-Risk Drinking.

Cummings Jenna R JR Ray Lara A LA Nooteboom Peter P Tomiyama A Janet AJ

Annals of behavioral medicine : a publication of the Society of Behavioral Medicine 20200101 2

<h4>Background</h4>Alcohol craving, or the desire to drink alcohol, has been identified as a key experience preceding alcohol use. Alcoholics Anonymous has long claimed that individuals can allay alcohol cravings by eating sweets. Empirical tests of this strategy are limited to a few preclinical studies in rats, and there is no existing experiment testing the acute effect of eating sweets on alcohol cravings in humans.<h4>Purpose</h4>The current study sought to experimentally test the acute effe ...[more]

PMID: 31504090

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Acute Effect of Eating Sweets on Alcohol Cravings in a Sample with At-Risk Drinking.

Publications

Acute Effect of Eating Sweets on Alcohol Cravings in a Sample with At-Risk Drinking.

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