Behavioral approach system (BAS) sensitivity predicts alcohol craving

In typical cue reactivity paradigms there are large individual differences found in subjective alcohol craving. Despite the fact that this is observed in many studies, research on the relation between craving and personality is scarce. In the present study the relation between sensitivity on Gray's personality dimensions (behavioral inhibition and behavioral approach systems) and cue elicited craving was studied. It was found that Behavioural Approach System (BAS) sensitivity was related to both desire and negative reinforcement aspects of alcohol craving, and that drinking history was related to both control and negative reinforcement aspects of craving. Subjects with high BAS-drive scores experienced significantly more strong desires, intentions to drink alcohol, and negative reinforcement craving during exposure to alcohol related cues than subjects with low BAS-drive scores. The findings are supportive for the personality theory of J.A. Gray, that predicts that high BAS activity is positively correlated with increased desire for alcohol drinking. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.