Effects of Adrenal Sensitivity, Stress- and Cue-Induced Craving, and Anxiety on Subsequent Alcohol Relapse and Treatment Outcomes

Abstract

Alcohol use accounts for 9% of the global disease burden in developed countries, with heavy alcohol consumption and alcohol dependence contributing the greatest alcohol-related burden on disease.¹ An important factor contributing to alcohol-related disease burden is the chronic, relapsing nature of the illness. While several medications and behavioral treatments are effective in treating alcohol use disorders,² relapse rates steadily increase after the first few weeks of treatment, with a majority of individuals returning to drinking within 3 months of treatment completion.^3,4 Furthermore, engaging alcohol-dependent individuals in aftercare and recovery remains a significant problem.⁵ Stress- and alcohol-related stimuli are important factors contributing to relapse and poor treatment engagement, but how they may account for high alcohol relapse and poor treatment engagement is not known.