Asociación entre el craving por alcohol y el control de impulsos en adultos que pertenecen a comunidades terapéuticas para problemas de adicción, en Cuenca-Ecuador 2023-2024

Abstract

The lack of impulse control and craving, with its dimensions of intense desire and disinhibition towards any substance to which there is an addiction, are key factors in relapse and lack of success in treatment and rehabilitation. The objective of this research was to describe the association between alcohol craving and impulse control in adults who belong to therapeutic communities, in Cuenca-Ecuador during the period 2023-2024. Through convenience sampling, we worked with 86 people diagnosed with alcohol use disorder, belonging to the Centro de Reposo y Adicciones Hospital Psiquiátrico Humberto Ugalde Camacho (24), the Centros Especializados en Tratamiento a Personas con Consumo Problemático de Alcohol y otras drogas EXITUS (11), and the Austro district of Narcóticos Anónimos (51). The research had a quantitative, non-experimental, and cross-sectional approach with a correlational scope. Two instruments were used: the Multifactorial Alcohol Craving Scale, to measure craving, and for impulse control, the Ramón y Cajal Impulse Control Scale. The results indicated moderate levels of alcohol craving and impulse control. A statistically significant association was also found between these. It is concluded that as craving and impulse control are associated, both variables should be considered at the time of intervention.