abuse liability of electronic cigarettes in men who are experienced electronic cigarette users.

Introduction:
This text discusses a study on the abuse liability of electronic cigarettes (ECIGs) in experienced users. The study compares the abuse potential of an eGo ECIG filled with the highest nicotine concentration available in participants’ own brand/flavor, an eGo ECIG filled with 0 mg/ml nicotine, participants’ own ECIG and liquid, and the Nicotrol inhaler. The study uses a variety of abuse liability measures, including the reinforcing efficacy of each product, plasma nicotine delivery, and subjective effect measures.

Key Points:

* The study found that nicotine-containing ECIGs have greater abuse liability than a nicotine-free ECIG and an FDa-approved nicotine inhaler.
* The reinforcing efficacy of each product was measured using the Multiple-Choice Procedure (MCP), and the study found that participants were willing to pay more or work harder for nicotine-containing products.
* Plasma nicotine delivery was significantly increased after the use of nicotine-containing products, indicating that these products can deliver the dependence-producing drug nicotine.
* Subjective measures, such as feeling lightheaded and satisfied, were higher in the nicotine-containing conditions, indicating a greater potential for abuse.
* The study also found that participants’ own brand ECIG devices have qualities beyond nicotine delivery that are reinforcing, including potentially device design features and learned patterns of use specific to participants’ own brand device.
* The study had some limitations, including the lack of a test for recent ECIG use in exclusive ECIG users and the small sample size.
* The study highlights the importance of using comprehensive abuse liability assessment methods, including behavioral tasks, assessment of drug delivery, and subjective effects, as well as adequate control conditions when assessing the abuse potential of ECIGs.

Main Message:
The study found that nicotine-containing ECIGs have greater abuse liability than a nicotine-free ECIG and an FDa-approved nicotine inhaler. The results suggest that regulations intended to limit ECIG abuse liability should be tested using these or similar procedures. This study contributes to the existing literature regarding ECIG abuse liability while also highlighting laboratory methods that can be used to assess ECIG abuse liability as compared to other tobacco/nicotine products. It also emphasizes the importance of using comprehensive abuse liability assessment methods and adequate control conditions when assessing the abuse potential of ECIGs.

Breland a, Maloney SF, Soule EK, et al. abuse liability of electronic cigarettes in men who are experienced electronic cigarette users. Experimental and clinical psychopharmacology. 2020;28(2):235-244. doi:10.1037/pha0000305