Mental Imagery in Substance Use Disorder V1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Prevalence, Characteristics, and Impact of Negative Substance Related Imagery on Recovery.
IRAS ID
353911
Contact name
Tim Meynen
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 2 months, 30 days
Research summary
This research aims to explore the presence, characteristics, and impact of substance-related mental imagery on cravings and recovery. It particularly focuses on spontaneously occurring imagery which carries negative connotations of use (e.g., embarrassing moments or accidents while under the influence).
While previous research has highlighted the key role of imagery in addictions, integrating positive imagery (e.g., visualising success) in interventions, negative imagery remains an understudied area despite reports that such images impact on recovery and cravings in varied ways. Some individuals spontaneously attach new meaning to negative images and utilise them as motivation to not use substances, while others end up using to suppress them. Exploring differences between these groups and building a better understanding of this imagery can help develop more effective interventions. Furthermore, this project will examine service users’ experiences and attitudes towards using images during their recovery (e.g., if they have used or would consider using images in recovery, what types have been helpful, in what context), to further build our understanding of the area.
This work will expand on a previously collected dataset by conducting semi-structured interviews with an additional 49 individuals engaged with community substance misuse services who meet the criteria for substance use disorder. Participants will be asked to complete two brief self-report measures and participate in a brief assessment of substance dependence and a semi-structured interview on mental imagery, in a single research appointment anticipated to last 60 minutes.
The expected duration of the study is 17 months. It is organised and funded by The Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience (Kings College London) and The South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust.
By shedding light on the characteristics and effects of negative mental imagery, this work can lead to more personalized and effective therapeutic approaches for individuals recovering from substance use disorders.
REC name
West Midlands - Solihull Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/WM/0140
Date of REC Opinion
4 Aug 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion