Period Of Smoking Abstinence Research Articles

An exploratory, randomised, crossover study to investigate the effect of nicotine on cognitive function in healthy adult smokers who use an electronic cigarette after a period of smoking abstinence

BackgroundAs well as being associated with serious negative health outcomes, smoking has been reported to have an array of physiological and psychological effects, including effects on mood and cognitive function. Post-cessation, loss of such effects (including temporary deficits in cognitive function) have been cited as reasons for resumption of smoking. The effects of e-cigarettes and nicotine delivered by e-cigarettes on these functions have not been widely researched but may play a role in the effectiveness of e-cigarettes as a satisfactory alternative to combustible cigarettes for people who smoke, and in encouraging individuals who would otherwise continue to smoke, to transition to e-cigarettes.MethodsThe study was an exploratory, randomised, partially-blinded, single-centre, five-arm crossover trial that recruited 40 healthy male and female people who smoke. At 5 study sessions, following a 12-h period of nicotine abstinence, participants were randomly assigned to use either a combustible cigarette, an e-cigarette of three varying nicotine strengths (18 mg/mL, 12 mg/mL or 0 mg/mL respectively) or observe a no product usage session. Participants completed pre- and post-product usage assessments to examine the product usage effect on cognitive performance (using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB)), subjective mood and smoking urges.ResultsA significant improvement in sustained attention task performance was observed following use of both the nicotine containing e-cigarettes and combustible cigarette compared to no product use. Additionally, there were no significant differences between the nicotine containing products, indicating that nicotine use enhanced sustained attention regardless of delivery format. Nicotine containing e-cigarette and combustible cigarette use also significantly improved overall mood of participants compared to no product use, with no significant differences observed between the nicotine containing products. Nicotine containing e-cigarette and combustible cigarette use significantly reduced smoking urges compared to no product use, though combustible cigarette use elicited the greatest reduction in smoking urges.ConclusionsOverall, the nicotine containing products improved sustained attention and mood while reducing smoking urges, with the studied e-cigarettes having comparable effects to combustible cigarettes across the assessed cognitive parameters and mood measures. These results demonstrate the potential role of e-cigarettes to provide an acceptable alternative for combustible cigarettes among people who would otherwise continue to smoke.Trial registration ISRCTN (identifier: ISRCTN35376793).

Do smoking abstinence periods among pregnant smokers improve birth weight? A secondary analysis of a randomised, controlled trial

ObjectivesMaternal smoking during pregnancy is associated with low birth weight (LBW). Reduction of cigarette consumption does not seem to improve birth weight but it is not known whether implementation of...

Characteristics and service use of NSW Quitline callers with and without mental health conditions.

Smoking rates remain higher for people with a mental health condition compared to the general population and contribute to greater chronic disease burden and premature mortality. Quitline services offer telephone-based smoking cessation support to the public and have been shown to be effective. There is limited research exploring the characteristics of smokers with a mental health condition who use the Quitline or the impacts of using the service on their smoking behaviors. This observational study aimed to compare demographic and smoking related characteristics, service use and quit attempts of callers to the New South Wales Quitline (2016-2018) with and without a mental health condition (N = 4,219). At baseline, 40% of callers reported a current mental health condition. Desire to quit smoking was similar for both groups, however participants with a mental health condition had higher nicotine dependency and had made more quit attempts prior to engaging with the service. During program enrolment, quit attempts and 24 hours smoke free periods were similar, however participants with a mental health condition engaged in a greater number of calls and over a longer period with Quitline compared to those without. The findings suggest Quitline efficacy for people with a mental health condition in making a quit attempt for at least 24 h. Increasing the use of Quitline services and understanding service use for this critical group of smokers will increase the likelihood that their quit attempts are transformed into sustained periods of smoking abstinence. Future research should explore whether tailoring of Quitline service provision for people with mental health conditions may increase the likelihood of quit success.

An exploratory, randomised, crossover study to investigate the effect of a nicotine containing electronic cigarette on appetite in healthy adult smokers, after a period of smoking abstinence: study protocol

<p><strong>Background</strong>: Many individuals continue to smoke despite the known harmful effects of cigarette smoking. Tobacco harm reduction (THR) is a public health strategy that seeks to reduce or prevent projected harm caused by cigarette smoke via encouraging smokers, who would otherwise continue to smoke, to switch to products with reduced risk profiles (such as e‑cigarettes). Research shows smoking can influence numerous physiological and psychological functions such as appetite, cognitive function and emotion. For some smokers, the loss of such effects upon cessation has been cited as an incentive to resume smoking. The effect of e‑cigarettes (and other non-combustible alternatives to cigarette smoking) on the above-described physiological and psychological functions has not been widely researched. Such information may be important for more thoroughly evaluating the proposition that smokers seeking alternatives may find e-cigarettes a satisfactory substitute for conventional cigarettes.</p><p><strong>Methods</strong>: This randomised, partially blinded, crossover study will test the hypothesis that use of a nicotine containing e-cigarette can influence appetite to the same extent as a combustible cigarette following a period of nicotine abstinence in current smokers. Up to 40 current smokers will be recruited into the study. Enrolment started in February 2021 and the results from the study are expected in 2022.</p><p><strong>Conclusions</strong>: The data from this study will be a valuable addition to the growing body of literature about the potential of e-cigarettes as a satisfactory and viable long-term alternative to cigarettes for existing smokers.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Trial Registration: </strong>This study is registered with the ISRCTN registry, number ISRCTN72435551.</p>

An exploratory, randomised, crossover study to investigate the effect of nicotine on cognitive function in healthy adult smokers who use an electronic cigarette, after a period of smoking abstinence: study protocol

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Despite the known harmful effects of cigarette smoking, many individuals continue to smoke. Published scientific evidence suggests that smoking can influence various physiological and psychological functions (including effects on cognitive function, body weight and emotion). For some smokers, the loss of such effects have been cited as barriers to cigarette smoking cessation and the deficits in such effects may contribute to resumption of smoking post quitting. Whilst not positioned as cigarette cessation devices, the effect of e-cigarettes (and other potentially reduced risk alternatives to cigarette smoking) on such functions has not been widely researched. Such information would provide support for the proposition that smokers seeking alternatives may find e-cigarettes a satisfactory substitute for conventional cigarettes.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> This randomised, partially blinded, crossover study will test the hypothesis that acute nicotine delivery via an e-cigarette can influence cognitive parameters including sustained attention, episodic memory, working memory and executive function to the same extent as a combustible cigarette after a period of nicotine abstinence in current smokers. To determine participants’ cognitive ability, the study will utilise the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) Connect Profile Software (CANTAB® www.cantab.com). Up to 40 current smokers will be recruited into the study.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> The data from this trial will be a valuable addition to the growing body of literature assessing the impact of RRPs for existing smokers.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>This study is registered with the ISRCTN registry, number ISRCTN35376793.</p>

Smoking cessation affects human platelet activation induced by collagen.

It is firmly established that smoking is a risk factor of cardiovascular disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease. Although smoking alters the hemostatic process, the influence of smoking on human platelet activation remains controversial. For patients undergoing surgery, cessation of smoking prior to the procedure is recommended as it increases the risk of postoperative morbidity or mortality. The presented study investigated the effects of smoking cessation on human platelet activation induced via collagen (n=19 patients). Blood samples were taken on four occasions: Before smoking cessation, and at 4, 8 and 12 weeks after smoking cessation. Platelet aggregation using citrated platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was monitored using a PA-200 aggregometer, which determined the size of platelet aggregates using laser scattering methods. A low dose of collagen (1 µg/ml) accelerated platelet aggregation at 4 or 8 weeks after smoking cessation when compared with results before cessation. After 12 weeks, levels of platelet aggregation induced by collagen were almost equal to those recorded prior to smoking cessation. The secretion levels of collagen-induced platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-AB at 4 or 8 weeks after smoking cessation were significantly higher than those before smoking was stopped. Furthermore, smoking cessation markedly strengthened the collagen-induced phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase after 4 weeks. The results of the current study indicated that smoking cessation causes temporary short-term human platelet hyper-activation. The further suggest that the incidence of complications due to human platelet hyper-reactivity may be lowered by considering the period of smoking abstinence.

Tobacco craving and withdrawal symptoms in psychiatric patients during a motivational enhancement intervention based on a 26-hour smoking abstinence period.

INTRODUCTIONIn psychiatric patients, tobacco withdrawal symptoms are frequently seen as a barrier to smoking cessation; however, further studies are warranted in this specific population.METHODSPatients receiving in- or out-patient mental health care participated in a motivational enhancement program including a 26-hour tobacco abstinence experience with professional support and optional nicotine replacement therapy. The study included 174 subjects, of whom 159 were evaluated 1 week before and at the end of the 26-hour abstinence period. Repeated assessments included the Minnesota Nicotine Tobacco Withdrawal Scale Revised (MNWS-R), two items of the Mood and Physical Symptoms Scale (MPSS) regarding craving, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-21), and the World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5).RESULTSMore than half the participants (52.3%) succeeded in 26-hour smoking abstinence. Craving was the most frequent MNWS-R withdrawal symptom (28.3% scored ≥3 on a 0–4 scale). Comparison of pre- and post-intervention data revealed significant improvements in 13 of 16 MNWS-R symptoms as well as craving (MPSS) and well-being, and significant decreases in anxiety and depression. Increasing MNWS-R craving scores and greater depression were both significantly associated with lower success in the 26-hour smoking abstinence period.CONCLUSIONSThe negative effects of tobacco withdrawal symptoms in psychiatric patients may be substantially overestimated. Participation in a supportive structured motivational intervention with a 26-hour smoking cessation experience was well tolerated and contributed to temporary improvements in mental state. Craving is an interesting symptom to evaluate during smoking cessation attempts.

Multi-method assessment of distress tolerance and smoking-related factors among adult daily smokers.

Although distress tolerance (DT) is associated with smoking lapse and relapse outcomes, few studies have conducted a rigorous assessment of DT across domain and method in the context of acute abstinence. In a human laboratory-based study of 106 adult daily smokers, we examined between multiple indices of DT and smoking lapse, withdrawal processes, and motivation to quit. We expected that low DT would be associated with shorter latency to smoke, greater withdrawal severity, and lower motivation to quit. Following a smoking abstinence period (≥ 6 hr deprived), participants completed an assessment battery including both behavioral (mirror-tracing, serial addition, cold pressor, and breath-holding tasks) and self-report measures of DT (general and smoking-specific), withdrawal processes (craving, negative affect, and positive affect), and motivation to quit. Latency to smoke (range = 0-50 min) was assessed in a laboratory analogue task in which delaying smoking was monetarily rewarded. Behavioral and self-report DT indices displayed only modest intercorrelations, indicating different facets of this construct by domain and method of assessment. Tolerance of physical pain was uniquely associated with smoking choice. Both self-report DT measures were associated with abstinence-induced increases in negative affect, while only smoking-specific DT was positively associated with craving. Results are discussed within the context of guiding targeted behavioral interventions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

Effects of nicotine deprivation on current pain intensity among daily cigarette smokers.

Animal research has consistently demonstrated increased pain in the context of nicotine deprivation, and there is cross-sectional evidence that tobacco smokers may experience greater pain following periods of smoking abstinence. This study aimed to examine current pain intensity as a function of nicotine deprivation among 137 daily tobacco smokers who did not endorse chronic pain and were recruited to participate in a primary study of the effects of smoking abstinence on experimental pain reactivity. Participants were randomized to either deprivation (12-24 hr abstinence) or continued ad lib smoking conditions. Compliance with the manipulation was biochemically verified via expired carbon monoxide (CO). Current pain intensity was assessed at baseline (Session 1) and following the deprivation manipulation (Session 2) using a single item that asked participants to indicate their current level of pain on a scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (pain as bad as you can imagine). At baseline, the majority of participants (51.1%) reported no pain (M = 1.75). As hypothesized, participants randomized to nicotine deprivation (vs. continued smoking) reported greater current pain intensity following the manipulation. Among smokers who reported no pain at baseline, those who abstained from smoking were nearly 3.5 times more likely to endorse pain at Session 2. These results suggest that daily tobacco smokers may experience greater pain during the first 12-24 hr of smoking abstinence. Future research should examine the role of pain in nicotine withdrawal, and whether tailored interventions may be needed to account for nicotine deprivation-induced amplification of pain. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

Sensitization to Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins in smokers with asthma

BackgroundSensitization to Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins (SEs) augments eosinophilic inflammation in asthma. Recent epidemiologic studies demonstrate that sensitization to SEs is increased in healthy smokers; however, there is no evidence on the association between sensitization to SEs and eosinophilic inflammation in smokers with asthma. ObjectiveTo clarify the role of SEs on clinical indexes, including eosinophilic inflammation and lung function in smokers with asthma. MethodsThe frequency of atopic sensitization to SEs was examined in adult patients with asthma. In current or ex-smokers with asthma, the association of sensitization to SEs with eosinophilic inflammation, airflow limitation, or treatment steps was determined. Clinical indexes were examined at the first visit, and treatment steps were assessed 6 months after enrollment. ResultsOverall, 23 current smokers, 40 ex-smokers, and 118 never smokers with asthma were enrolled. The frequency of sensitization to SEs, but not to other aeroallergens, was significantly higher in current, ex-, and never smokers, in decreasing order. In current or ex-smokers with asthma, patients with sensitization to SEs exhibited higher serum levels of total and specific IgE to aeroallergens, higher blood eosinophil counts, greater airflow limitation, and more severe disease 6 months later than those without sensitization to SE. A longer smoking abstinence period was associated with serum specific IgE levels to SEs, and 3 years was the best cutoff of abstinence period to predict the absence of sensitization to SEs. ConclusionSensitization to SEs is increased in smokers with asthma, and it may be a marker of eosinophilic inflammation and severe asthma in smokers with asthma. Trial Registrationumin.ac.jp Identifier: UMIN000007818.

Financial Incentives for Smoking Abstinence in Homeless Smokers: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Three-quarters of homeless people smoke cigarettes. Financial incentives for smoking abstinence have appeared promising in nonexperimental studies of homeless smokers, but randomized controlled trial (RCT) data are lacking. We conducted a pilot RCT of financial incentives for homeless smokers. Incentive arm participants (N = 25) could earn escalating $15-$35 rewards for brief smoking abstinence (exhaled carbon monoxide <8 parts per million) assessed 14 times over 8 weeks. Control arm participants (N = 25) were given $10 at each assessment regardless of abstinence. All participants were offered nicotine patches and counseling. The primary outcome was a repeated measure of brief smoking abstinence across 14 assessments. The secondary outcome was brief abstinence at 8 weeks. Exploratory outcomes were self-reported 1-day and 7-day abstinence from (1) any cigarette and (2) any puff of a cigarette. Other outcomes included 24-hour quit attempts, nicotine patch use, counseling attendance, and changes in alcohol and drug use. Compared to control, incentive arm participants were more likely to achieve brief abstinence overall (odds ratio 7.28, 95% confidence interval 2.89 to 18.3) and at 8 weeks (48% vs. 8%, p = .004). Similar effects were seen for 1-day abstinence, but 7-day puff abstinence was negligible in both arms. Incentive arm participants made more quit attempts (p = .03). Nicotine patch use and counseling attendance were not significantly different between the groups. Alcohol and drug use did not change significantly in either group. Among homeless smokers, financial incentives increased brief smoking abstinence and quit attempts without worsening substance use. This approach merits further development focused on promoting sustained abstinence. ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02565381). Smoking is common among homeless people, and conventional tobacco treatment strategies have yielded modest results in this population. This pilot RCT suggests that financial incentives may be a safe way to promote brief smoking abstinence and quit attempts in this vulnerable group of smokers. However, further development is necessary to translate this approach into real-world settings and to promote sustained periods of smoking abstinence.

Negative affect subtypes and craving differentially predict long-term cessation success among smokers achieving initial abstinence.

This study aimed to examine the associations of individual trajectories of three types of negative affect (NA: anxiety, depression, and anger) and craving during a 44-day period of incentivized smoking abstinence period with cessation outcome at 3months and at 1year. Adult smokers (N=140) completed questionnaire assessments of NA and craving during pre-quit baseline sessions and 15 postquit sessions over the 45days of biochemically verified abstinence while on nicotine or placebo patch treatment. Growth curve and logistic regression analyses were used to examine the associations of trajectory parameters of the individual NA states and craving with the abstinence outcomes at 3months and 1year postquit. Greater declines in anxiety, depression, and anger symptoms over the first 44days of smoking cessation were predictive of higher odds of abstinence at both 3months and 1year. Moreover, the greater declines in anxiety and anger remained as significant predictors of abstinence at both time points, independent of the predictive ability of the trajectory profiles of craving. The findings suggest that slower dissipation of NA, especially anxiety and anger, represents a greater risk for relapse to smoking beyond that predicted by craving during early abstinence. Thus, temporal profiles of the affective symptoms convey unique motivational significance in relapse. Reduction in NA during early abstinence may be a valid target for interventions to increase long-term cessation success rates particularly among individuals with refractory affective symptoms.

Anxiety and Depression in Bidirectional Relations Between Pain and Smoking: Implications for Smoking Cessation.

Pain and tobacco smoking are highly prevalent and comorbid conditions that impose considerable burdens on individuals and health care systems. A recently proposed reciprocal model suggests that these conditions interact in a bidirectional manner, resulting in greater pain and the maintenance of tobacco addiction. Anxiety and depression are common among smokers in pain and have been identified as central mechanisms of interest. There is emerging evidence that smokers with anxiety/depression may experience more severe pain and functional impairment, greater pain-induced motivation to smoke, and increased sensitivity to pain during periods of smoking abstinence. Based on empirical findings, we hypothesize that these experiences may engender expectations that abstaining from smoking will exacerbate both pain and negative affect, thus eroding self-efficacy for smoking cessation and increasing perceived barriers to quitting. The goal of this narrative review is to examine the role of anxiety/depression in complex pain-smoking relations so as to advance evolving theoretical perspectives and inform the development of tailored interventions.

Recall of anti-tobacco advertisements and effects on quitting behavior: results from the California smokers cohort.

We assessed whether an anti-tobacco television advertisement called "Stages," which depicted a woman giving a brief emotional narrative of her experiences with tobacco use, would be recalled more often and have a greater effect on smoking cessation than 3 other advertisements with different intended themes. Our data were derived from a sample of 2596 California adult smokers. We used multivariable log-binomial and modified Poisson regression models to calculate respondents' probability of quitting as a result of advertisement recall. More respondents recalled the "Stages" ad (58.5%) than the 3 other ads (23.1%, 23.4%, and 25.6%; P<.001). Respondents who recalled "Stages" at baseline had a higher probability than those who did not recall the ad of making a quit attempt between baseline and follow-up (adjusted risk ratio [RR]=1.18; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.03, 1.34) and a higher probability of being in a period of smoking abstinence for at least a month at follow-up (adjusted RR=1.55; 95% CI=1.02, 2.37). Anti-tobacco television advertisements that depict visceral and personal messages may be recalled by a larger percentage of smokers and may have a greater impact on smoking cessation than other types of advertisements.

The Effect of Acute Exercise on Smoking Topography: No Evidence for Cutting Down One Puff at a Time

Recent systematic reviews have concluded that a single session of exercise ameliorates cravings and tobacco withdrawal symptoms; however, smoking behaviour (topography) has not been adequately addressed in the literature. This study examined the effect of an acute bout of exercise on smoking topography following a temporary period of smoking abstinence. Forty-eight adult smokers (Nfemale = 34, Mage = 43.14), who had been smoking for an average of 23.90 years, were randomised to an acute (10 minutes) bout of exercise (N = 23) or passive sitting (control) group. Cigarette cravings were assessed at baseline and immediately pre and post treatment condition during a 15-hour smoking abstinence period. Smoking topography which included puff count, puff volume, puff duration, inter-puff interval, and total cigarette duration was assessed at baseline and post treatment. Although exercise reduced cravings, compared to the control group, smoking topography remained unchanged across time between groups. Furthermore, craving reduction was unrelated to any smoking topography variables. Although there is evidence that exercise can delay time to first cigarette, this study demonstrates that the change to smoking topography is negligible when participants are invited to smoke.

The effects of percentile versus fixed criterion schedules on smoking with equal incentive magnitude for initial abstinence.

Incentives have been successfully used to reduce smoking in hard-to-treat (HTT) smokers by progressively reinforcing lower levels of breath carbon monoxide (CO). When compared with schedules only providing incentives for smoking abstinence, using a progressive (percentile) criterion facilitates longer periods of smoking abstinence. However, participants receiving incentives for lower breath CO levels on percentile schedules typically earn more for their first abstinent breath CO sample relative to participants receiving incentives only for smoking abstinence. Many studies show that larger incentive magnitude increases abstinence rates. The present study tested the effects of different incentive schedules on rates of abstinence maintenance while holding the initial incentive magnitude constant for 93 HTT smokers to eliminate initial abstinence incentive magnitude as a potential confound. Smokers were randomized to percentile, fixed criterion, or random incentive schedules. The incentive magnitude for the first abstinent breath CO sample (<3 ppm) was $5 for percentile and fixed criterion incentive participants, and then increased by $0.50 for each consecutive abstinent breath CO sample. All groups had similar patterns of meeting the abstinence criterion for at least 1 visit. However, once this abstinence criterion was met, abstinence was more likely to be maintained by fixed criterion incentive participants. Unlike previous studies comparing percentile and fixed criterion schedules, percentile incentive schedules were not associated with longer periods of abstinence relative to fixed criterion incentive schedules. Further studies that manipulate initial incentive magnitude are needed to test whether the difference between the current and previous studies was due to initial incentive magnitude.

Effects of Smoking Abstinence on Cigarette Craving, Nicotine Withdrawal, and Nicotine Reinforcement in Smokers With and Without Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is associated with a high prevalence of cigarette smoking. The aims of this study were to compare smokers with schizophrenia (SS) and control smokers without psychiatric illness (CS) on (a) cigarette craving and nicotine withdrawal symptom severity during a 72-hr smoking abstinence period; (b) nicotine reinforcement, before and after abstinence; and (c) latency to smoking lapse following abstinence. We also explored mediators of smoking lapse in SS and CS. SS (n = 28) and CS (n = 27) underwent a nicotine versus denicotinized cigarette puff choice task before and after a 72-hr period of smoking abstinence that was experimentally controlled by providing cash reinforcement contingent on biochemical verification of abstinence. Twenty-four hours after the second choice task, participants could receive a low-value reinforcer if they had continued to abstain since the previous day. Those who remained abstinent were recontacted a week later to determine time of their smoking lapse. SS reported more severe cigarette craving and nicotine withdrawal symptoms throughout the 72-hr abstinence period, had greater nicotine preference after abstinence, and lapsed back to smoking significantly sooner than CS. The relationship between group and smoking lapse latency was mediated by baseline depression and nicotine withdrawal symptom severity but not by effects of abstinence on craving or nicotine reinforcement. Overall, these results indicate that negative affect is a key contributor to poor smoking cessation outcomes among those with schizophrenia.

Patterns of change in affect and adrenocortical activity over an extended period of smoking abstinence.

This study examined patterns of change in postcessation withdrawal symptoms and basal adrenocortical activity of smokers who were abstinent over a 4-week period (n = 18) and those who relapsed within the first week (n = 35). Participants interested in smoking cessation attended a prequit assessment in which they completed multiple forms associated with smoking withdrawal and provided a saliva sample for cortisol and cotinine measures. Then, the participants were asked to set a quit day and were required to abstain from smoking for at least 24 hours. After that, the participants attended four weekly follow-up support sessions during which self-report measures on withdrawal symptoms and tobacco use and saliva samples were collected. Smoking status was confirmed biochemically. We found that, overall, the abstinent smokers reported lower withdrawal symptoms, craving, and negative affect than relapsed smokers. Further exploratory analysis indicated that prequit withdrawal severity was lower in those who were abstinent than in those who eventually relapsed. Craving and physical symptoms in abstainers decreased as distress in relapsers increased during the follow-up period. Smoking urges diminished in both groups. Reported numbers of cigarettes per day after the failure of a quit attempt were lower than their precessation baseline. Cortisol did not differ by group or by time. Despite using a cross-sectional method, these results may suggest individual differences in negative symptoms while smoking regularly, and abstinence may be associated with reduction of craving and physical symptoms. The findings also suggested that relapsers may not immediately bring back their regular smoking habit after having relapsed.

Utilizing a multimodal assessment strategy to examine variations of impulsivity among young adults engaged in co-occurring smoking and binge drinking behaviors

BackgroundSmoking among young adults predicts a greater severity of alcohol use and contributes to an increased difficulty in maturing out of heavy drinking behaviors that are established during college. Moreover, research has implicated impulsivity in the initiation and maintenance of both behaviors. Much less is known, however, about potential variations of impulsivity among young adults and whether a relationship exists between this construct and abstinence from smoking. As a result, this study examined differences and changes in trait and behavioral indices of impulsivity as a function of binge drinking among a sample of cigarette smokers using a multimodal assessment strategy. MethodsParticipants (N=40) were regular cigarette smokers who reported engagement in binge drinking or no binge drinking during the past year. All participants completed self-report and behavioral assessments of impulsivity prior to and following a period of smoking abstinence. ResultsCompared to their non-binge drinking peers, binge-drinking smokers reported significantly higher scores on the UPPS (lack of) Premeditation factor (p<.05), while also exhibiting a greater deficit in inhibitory control while in a nicotine satiated state (p<.05). However, no significant differences of inhibitory control were observed between groups following the 24-h deprivation period. ConclusionsFindings suggest that baseline differences in lack of planning and inhibitory control exist among young adults who concurrently smoke and binge drink. These results provide preliminary data for the need of tailored interventions for this population.

Impulsivity and the role of smoking-related outcome expectancies among dependent college-aged cigarette smokers

The relationship between trait-impulsivity and smoking expectancies on smoking progression in undergraduate college students was examined over a 48-hour period of smoking abstinence. Participants were forty-nine college-aged dependent cigarette smokers who completed measures designed to assess impulsivity, nicotine dependence, and smoking expectancies. Using a series of multilevel models, impulsivity by time analyses indicated significant differences in positive reinforcement expectancies, [ F (2, 94) = 3.19, p < .05], but not in negative reinforcement expectancies, [ F (2, 94) = 0.49, p = .61]. Simple slopes analyses indicated that heightened trait-impulsivity predicted greater increases in positive reinforcement outcome expectancies at 48 h of abstinence. Level of impulsivity, however, was not related to changes in negative reinforcement expectancies. Results indicate that during an abstinence period, college students higher in trait-impulsivity may be more prone to relapse due to stronger beliefs about the positive effects from smoking a cigarette. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the interaction of personality and cognitive factors when working with young adult smokers wishing to quit this health-compromising behavior.