Objectives:

To analyze the effect of craving on the risk of relapse in adults undergoing alcohol treatment, considering the Perceived Emotional Intelligence (PEI) as a mediator.

Materials and methods:

Descriptive, cross-sectional, predictive study, model checking with mediation analysis. The sample consisted of 274 adults interned in Rehabilitation Centers against Addictions (CRCA). The instruments used were a Sociodemographic Data Card, Alcohol Craving Questionnaire, Emotional Quotient Inventory and Questionnaire of Variables Predictors of Abandonment and Adherence to Treatment.

Results:

There is an inverse relationship between PEI, the risk of relapse (r = -, 381, p <,001) and craving (r = -, 354, p <,001). Craving and risk of relapse were positively related (r = ,218, p <,001). A significant total effect of craving on the risk of relapse is reported when mediated by EI, which explains 11% of the variance (B = ,1389; t = 5,688; p <,001).

Conclusions:

The results of this study indicate that PEI is inversely associated with craving and risk of relapse, and that PEI plays a significant role as a mediator in this relationship. This suggests the notion that people with high PEI levels have more resources to manage their emotions, which could help reduce craving behaviors and consequently, suffer a lower risk of relapse into alcohol consumption.

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