The relationship of stress, coping, effect expectancies and craving.

Based on theoretical models of craving and addiction, this study investigated the association between stress-related variables and negatively and positively reinforcing dimensions of craving (relief and reward craving) in 150 opiate addicts, 150 alcohol addicts and 150 non-addicted controls. Stress-distress was the most powerful predictor of both dimensions of craving, followed by a lack of positive coping strategies whereas expectancies of substance effects seemed to be less important. Positive coping strategies were related to reduced craving only when they were accompanied by low stress-distress. In non-addicted subjects, only positive coping strategies were negatively related to craving. This study confirms the important role of stress-distress for the occurrence of craving in addicts.

[Psychometric properties and initial validation of the questionnaire on differentiated assessment of addiction]. / Psychometrische Kennwerte und erste Ergebnisse zur Validität des Fragebogens zur Differenzierten Drogenanamnese (FDDA).

The "Questionnaire on Differentiated Assessment of Addiction (QDAA)" is a multi-modal, selfrating instrument for the Assessment of addiction and abuse of psychotropic substances. The QDAA provides the diagnosis of addiction as well as an overview of relevant information needed for the treatment of addiction. Several subscales assess variables that contribute to the development and maintenance of addiction such as mood, stress, expectancy of drug effects, self-esteem, life satisfaction and coping ability. In the present study validity and reliability of the QDAA was tested in several dependent and non-dependent samples. A total of 575 non-dependent, alcohol-, heroin- and cannabis-dependent subjects was available for the present study. Six criteria (craving, tolerance, withdrawal, loss of control, addictive behavior, negative consequences), that form the basis of the addiction diagnosis were shown to have high internal consistency and can be reduced to one dimension by factor analysis. The resulting diagnosis of addiction is significantly correlated with the external criterion "dependence syndrome" of the ICD-10 by external experts. The assumed structure of the QDAA-subscales could be confirmed by factor analysis. In addition, the results of the subscale analysis provide empirical evidence for convergent validity. All subscales showed moderate to high internal consistency. The results suggest that the QDAA is a valid and reliable instrument for the differential assessment of substance addiction, abuse as well as relevant information in the context of addiction and its treatment.

[Forms of pathological gambling: empirical research on consumers behaviour of sport betting and lottery participants]. / Formen des pathologischen Glücksspiels: eine empirische Erhebung zum Konsumverhalten von Sportwettern und Lottospielern.

Gambling is one of the favourite leisure activities. 70-90 % of the grown-up population have gambled at least once in their life. Over the last few years, however, the variety of opportunities to gamble has changed. Decreasing numbers of casino visitors can be seen against an ever-increasing number of people using slot machines, and taking part in national lotteries and sport betting. Comprehensive empirical research regarding consumer behaviour and addiction potential involved in sport betting has been non-existent and only a few studies have dealt with lottery. In the present study, 108 subjects were questioned in Austrian betting offices. 33.3 % of the sample fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for pathological sport betting. Of the sport betting subjects who additionally play lottery, 22.92 % were diagnosed as being pathological lottery gamblers. Based on the criteria of substance addiction, the data demonstrate that sport betting and lottery have addiction potential and can therefore be seen as non-substance-related addiction.