Is craving a risk factor for substance use among treatment-seeking with individuals with alcohol and other drugs use disorders? A meta-analytic review

•The meta-analysis included 36 studies among treatment-seeking individuals with SUDs.•The study summarized associations between craving and substance-use behaviors.•Craving is a modest time-dependent proximal and distal risk factor for substance use.•The diagnoses of SUDs, assessment instruments and research design were moderators.•Self-regulatory mechanisms should be considered in clarifying substance use.