Cue reactivity

Cue reactivity refers to the physiological and psychological responses that occur in the presence of stimuli (cues) associated with a rewarding or desired substance or activity. These cues can be external, such as seeing drug paraphernalia, the location where a substance was used, or encountering individuals who use the substance. They can also be internal, such as thoughts, feelings, or physical sensations associated with craving or withdrawal.

The responses elicited by these cues can include:

• Physiological changes: Increased heart rate, blood pressure, sweating, and salivation. These physiological changes mimic the body's anticipation of the substance or activity.

• Subjective feelings: Increased craving, a sense of anticipation, and a desire to engage in the associated behavior.

• Cognitive biases: Increased attention towards cues related to the substance or activity, and a tendency to interpret ambiguous stimuli as being related to it.

Cue reactivity is a significant factor in the development and maintenance of addictive behaviors. It can trigger relapse in individuals attempting to abstain from a substance or activity, even after prolonged periods of abstinence. The strength of cue reactivity can vary depending on factors such as the individual's history of use, the intensity of the cues, and the context in which the cues are presented.

Research into cue reactivity often utilizes laboratory-based cue exposure paradigms. These paradigms involve presenting individuals with cues related to their substance of choice while measuring their physiological and subjective responses. The findings from these studies have contributed to the development of treatments that aim to reduce cue reactivity, such as cue exposure therapy, which involves repeated exposure to cues in a safe environment to reduce their ability to trigger cravings and relapse.