Multidimensional alcohol craving scale and [123I] lodobenzamide SPECT as predictors of early relapse in alcohol-dependent patients

The Multidimensional Alcohol Craving Scale (MACS) and Single Photon Emission Computerized Tomography (SPECT) with 123I-iodobenzamide (123I-IBZM) can be useful tools for assessing
relapse risk in early recovery from alcohol-dependency. 

The aim of this study was to assess possible relationships between MACS score, 123I-IBZM binding and time to first heavy drinking day (TFHD) after detoxification treatment.
 
Nineteen alcohol-dependent in-patients were evaluated by MACS scale and an 123I-IBZM-SPECT, performed following alcohol detoxification treatment. At discharge, participants were advised to take naltrexone 50 mg/day for relapse prevention. TFHD was assessed over a 12-week follow up.
 
The MACS score at the beginning of the detoxification process and naltrexone treatment after detoxification were independent predictive factors for TFHD.
 
The MACS scale is a better predictor of TFHD than IBZM  binding. It is simple, non-invasive and inexpensive and appears to be
a useful instrument both for clinical practice and for research.



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