Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026

A Conditioned Place Preference Protocol for Measuring Incubation of Craving in Rats
Published on: November 6, 2018
Experimentally-induced spontaneous opiate withdrawal: relationship to cigarette craving and expired air carbon
Michelle R Lofwall1, Sharon L Walsh, George E Bigelow
1Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. mlofw2@email.uky.edu
Abstract:
Smoking often increases after opioid use among those addicted to both opioids and nicotine, but the relationship between smoking and experimentally induced spontaneous opioid withdrawal (OW) has not been characterized. Six inpatient opioid-dependent smokers were stabilized on morphine 15 mg SC QID. Expired air carbon monoxide levels and smoking craving were measured for each participant on ten days when spontaneous OW was experimentally induced and on ten separate days in the absence of OW. Spontaneous OW was associated with significantly reduced carbon monoxide levels and smoking craving. Interestingly, craving was only reduced for items related to the positive reinforcing effects of smoking. These preliminary results suggest that OW may be a favorable context to initiate smoking cessation treatment interventions.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Dependence
CNS Depressants: Alcohol and Nicotine
Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Stimulants
Ganglionic stimulants activate NM nicotinic receptors in autonomic ganglia, falling into two categories: nicotine mimetics [e.g., lobeline, dimethylpiperazine, tetramethylammonium] and muscarinic receptor agonists [e.g., muscarine, methacholine]. The first category's action is rapid and blocked by nicotinic receptor antagonists, while the second category's action is delayed and blocked by atropine-like agents. Nicotine, an alkaloid, affects the heart rate by stimulating sympathetic or...
Opioid Analgesics: Morphine and Other Natural Cogeners
Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena
Analgesia and Pain Management
