Introduction: Imaginal retraining is a self-help technique that adapts the principles of approach bias modification to the imagination. Imaginal retraining has been shown to reduce craving and addictive behaviours in 3 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on problematic alcohol consumption, overweight, and tobacco use. To date, there have been no studies evaluating the long-term efficacy of the intervention. The aim of the present study was to generate first hypotheses on the long-term efficacy of imaginal retraining in smokers in a controlled 1-year follow-up study. Materials and Methods: We recontacted the 345 participants who had taken part in an RCT on imaginal retraining for smokers 1 year later. The survey was carried out online and assessed craving for tobacco (primary outcome), smoking behaviour, well-being, and subjective appraisal. Individuals who applied the technique at least once during the previous year were categorized as the training group, whereas participants who never performed the training were categorized as the no-training group. Data were analysed using linear mixed models (LMMs). The study was preregistered as DRKS00021044. Results: The completion rate was 45.5%. Less than 40% used the intervention at least once in the previous 12 months. LMM analyses showed a significant reduction in craving for tobacco for the training compared to the no-training group after 1 year. No significant group differences emerged in smoking behaviour, depressive symptoms, or quality of life. Subjective appraisal of the intervention was favorable, similar to the initial study. Conclusion: The present study provides preliminary support for the long-term efficacy of imaginal retraining on craving for tobacco but not on smoking behaviour, highlighting the importance of multimodal treatment concepts in smoking cessation that target a variety of maintaining factors. Future studies need to investigate the long-term efficacy of the intervention in prospective RCTs that test alternative ways of conveying the technique to improve adherence.
Eur Addict Res

中文翻译：

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在一年的对照随访研究中，想象再训练可减少对烟草的渴望


简介：想象再训练是一种自助技术，它采用了方法偏差修正原则来适应想象力。 3 项针对有问题的饮酒、超重和吸烟的随机对照试验 (RCT) 表明，想象再训练可以减少渴望和成瘾行为。迄今为止，还没有研究评估干预措施的长期疗效。本研究的目的是在一项为期一年的对照随访研究中，对吸烟者想象再训练的长期功效提出第一个假设。材料和方法：一年后，我们重新联系了 345 名参加过吸烟者想象再训练随机对照试验的参与者。该调查在网上进行，评估了对烟草的渴望（主要结果）、吸烟行为、幸福感和主观评价。在前一年至少应用过一次该技术的个人被归类为培训组，而从未进行过培训的参与者被归类为未培训组。使用线性混合模型（LMM）分析数据。该研究预注册号为 DRKS00021044。结果：完成率为45.5%。不到 40% 的人在过去 12 个月内至少使用过一次干预措施。 LMM 分析显示，一年后，与未训练组相比，训练组对烟草的渴望显着降低。吸烟行为、抑郁症状或生活质量没有出现显着的群体差异。与最初的研究类似，对干预措施的主观评价是有利的。 结论：本研究为想象再训练对烟草渴望而非吸烟行为的长期疗效提供了初步支持，强调了针对多种维持因素的多模式治疗概念在戒烟中的重要性。未来的研究需要调查前瞻性随机对照试验中干预措施的长期有效性，这些随机对照试验测试传达该技术以提高依从性的替代方法。
 欧洲成瘾者研究中心