A Behavioral Assessment of Electronic Cigarettes in Reducing Cue- and Withdrawal-induced Craving in Daily Dependent Smokers

Randomized controlled trials suggest e-cigarettes may decrease cigarette craving and withdrawal symptoms, reduce cigarette smoking, and increase abstinence. However, few studies have investigated the effectiveness of non-nicotinic e-cigarettes, alone or used with nicotine replacement, in reducing craving by addressing behavioral cues. This randomized, single-blind, within-subject study empirically assessed cigarette craving and withdrawal symptoms in 41 dependent smokers under four conditions: smoking tobacco cigarettes, non-nicotinic e-cigarettes with nicotine lozenges, non-nicotinic e-cigarettes with placebo lozenges, and using nicotine lozenges alone. While tobacco cigarettes most significantly reduced cravings one hour after smoking (-11.24±1.30,pM.Sc