Craving predicts time to cocaine relapse: Further validation of the Now and Brief versions of the cocaine craving questionnaire

Background The 10-item version of the cocaine craving questionnaire (CCQ-Brief) has not been validated in a mixed-gender sample, and predictive validity of the CCQ-Now and CCQ-Brief in terms of their relationship with cocaine relapse has not been demonstrated. Objective: To further validate the CCQ-Brief in a mixed gender sample and to determine the predictive validity of the CCQ-Now and CCQ-Brief. Method: Seventy-two men and 51 women (Total N = 123) seeking inpatient cocaine dependence treatment were administered assessments upon admission, and a prospective design was employed to assess cocaine relapse outcomes during a 90-day follow-up period after discharge from inpatient treatment. Data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation, Cox proportional hazards regression, and multiple regression. Findings: The CCQ-Brief demonstrated good internal consistency and construct and concurrent validity. Both the CCQ-Now and the CCQ-Brief summary scores predicted time to cocaine relapse. In addition, the anticipation of a positive outcome from cocaine use, and intent and planning to use cocaine subscales of the CCQ-Now also predicted time to cocaine relapse. Conclusions: The CCQ-Brief was found to be a reliable and valid measure in a mixed gender sample, and both the CCQ-Now and CCQ-Brief were predictive of cocaine relapse risk. Craving assessments that go beyond desire and take into account intent and planning to use cocaine and the patient's anticipation of a positive outcome from using cocaine are likely to provide a sensitive index of cocaine relapse susceptibility. However, fear of social and clinical consequences could impact accurate reporting of cocaine craving and intent to use cocaine. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.