Summary
Introduction:
This text provides a summary of a study examining changes in measures of nicotine dependence and withdrawal among adult smokers who switch to nicotine salt pod-based e-cigarettes. The study focuses on african american and Latinx smokers who participated in a 6-week trial of nicotine salt pod system (NSPS) e-cigarettes.
Key Points:
* The study classified participants into three groups based on their use trajectory at week 6: exclusive smokers, exclusive e-cigarette users, and dual users.
* Exclusive e-cigarette and dual users showed greater reductions in cigarette dependence, withdrawal, craving, and cigarettes per day compared to exclusive smokers.
* Within group analyses revealed that e-cigarette and dual users showed reductions in craving and withdrawal from baseline to week 6.
* Exclusive e-cigarette users and dual users maintained cotinine levels, while exclusive smokers showed decreased total dependence.
* Dual users showed increased total nicotine dependence from baseline to week 6, while exclusive e-cigarette users did not show significant changes.
* The study suggests that NSPS e-cigarettes have a similar reinforcement potential to cigarettes and facilitate switching.
Main Message:
The study provides evidence that smokers who switch to nicotine salt pod system (NSPS) e-cigarettes maintain their nicotine levels and transfer their dependence, suggesting that NSPS e-cigarettes have a similar reinforcement potential to cigarettes and facilitate switching. The findings support the potential of NSPS e-cigarettes as a harm reduction tool for smokers attempting to quit or reduce their tobacco use. however, the study also highlights the importance of monitoring nicotine dependence and potential health effects among dual users.
Citation
Leavens ELS, Nollen NL, ahluwalia JS, et al. Changes in dependence, withdrawal, and craving among adult smokers who switch to nicotine salt pod-based e-cigarettes. addiction (abingdon, England). 2022;117(1):207-215. doi:10.1111/add.15597
