Dreams and craving in alcohol addicted patients in the detoxication stage

Abstract

The objective of this research is to evaluate the existence of a possible connection between dreams of alcohol-addicted patients and the craving they have during the first three days of detoxication at hospital ward units. The aim was to verify if those who had increased craving reported dreams where the theme "alcohol" was present, as well as to analyze the subjects'quality of sleep. It was a transversal study, with association of the sample variables. The taken sample has included 77 adult males, alcohol addicted, who would not have clinical or psychiatric comorbidities. In addition, the subjects would not be addicted to any other psychoactive substance but nicotine. The following instruments have been used: an Information File, where the subjects should fill in their social-demographic status; a Craving Evaluation Questionnaire; a Sleep and Dream Evaluation Questionnaire, Mini-Mental State Examination and Short-Form Alcohol Dependence Data Questionnaire ). 67,6% of the subjects considered the sleeping initial stage at least "satisfactory", 80,5% of the subjects stated the same concerning the sleeping final stage, but only 22,1% of the subjects never presented interruptions while sleeping. Dreaming of "alcohol" had not been a frequent behaviour (27,3%) and the average craving rating was "low"; there is a connection between dreaming of alcohol and craving increase (p < 0,001). Dreams can be better used by professionals who assist chemical addicted patients, and indicators of a "risk situation" should be used in the techniques of Relapse Prevention.