The Cue Reactivity Paradigm in Addiction Research

This chapter reviews the empirical relevance of cue reactivity to substance abuse research, and describes standardized and validated cue reactivity methods. Cue reactivity research within the field of addiction has focused on three main areas. They are basic phenomenology, evaluation of the efficacy of treatment programs, and tailoring interventions. In designing a cue reactivity paradigm, there are a number of considerations to take into account. They include the use and appropriateness of the neutral-control cue, cue presentation order, mode of cue presentation, substance use factors, and type of reactivity measurement. The chapter also discusses limitations, shortcomings, and future directions for the field. Further study for improving the paradigm's reliability and validity, includes predictive validity of cue-specific craving, cue standardization, enhanced ecological validity, and consideration of individual difference variables.