Does Tobacco Abstinence Decrease Reward Sensitivity? A Human Laboratory Test.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Animal studies report abstinence from nicotine makes rewards less rewarding; however, the results of human tests of the effects of cessation on reward sensitivity are mixed. The current study tested reward sensitivity in abstinent smokers using more rigorous methods than most prior studies.

Methods

A human laboratory study compared outcomes for 1 week prior to quitting to those during 4 weeks postquit. The study used smokers trying to quit, objective and subjective measures, multiple measures during smoking and abstinence, and monetary rewards to increase the prevalence of abstinence. Current daily smokers (n = 211) who were trying to quit completed an operant measure of reward sensitivity and a survey of pleasure from various rewards as well as self-reports of

SUBMITTER: Hughes JR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5939828 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature