Response time to craving-item ratings as an implicit measure of craving-related processes

Drug craving is typically measured through explicit ratings of craving levels. We examined response time to craving ratings as an implicit measure of craving processes in cigarette smokers. Response time and interitem variability were investigated as potential indices of certainty in craving ratings. Cigarette smokers, categorized as tobacco dependent or nondependent, completed multiple cue-reactivity sessions with smoking and neutral cues. After each cue presentation, craving level and response time were assessed. Significant inverted-U relationships emerged between craving level and both response time and interitem variability across conditions, sessions, and groups. Faster response times and less interitem variability emerged after neutral cues relative to smoking cues for nondependent smokers and after smoking cues relative to neutral cues for dependent smokers. Response time provided incremental validity beyond craving level in predicting dependence. Results support use of response time as an implicit measure of craving processes and further distinguish craving experiences between dependent and nondependent smokers.