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Gutkha Addiction: Nicotine Dependence or a Conditioned Reflex?
Prathamesh Satish Joshi1, M C Prashant2, Neelu Nagpal3
1Senior Resident, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Dr. Vaishampayan Memorial Government Medical College, Solapur, Maharashtra, India.
Journal of International Oral Health : JIOH
|December 16, 2015
Summary
Gutkha addiction may stem from conditioned reflexes linked to daily activities rather than nicotine cravings. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) showed limited success, with high relapse rates attributed to product dissatisfaction.
Area of Science:
- Addiction Biology
- Behavioral Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Gutkha, a mixture of areca nut, tobacco, and other agents, is a widely used oral product.
- Understanding the biological and behavioral aspects of Gutkha addiction is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the addiction biology of Gutkha chewing.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in Gutkha cessation programs.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire-based survey analyzed addiction patterns in 400 Gutkha chewers.
- Urine cotinine levels were measured in 60 subjects undergoing NRT using gas chromatography.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in mean urine cotinine levels between relapse and relapse-free groups.
- 79% overall relapse rate, with 83.3% associating chewing with daily activities.
- Unacceptable taste and form of NRT products were common reasons for relapse.
Conclusions:
- Gutkha addiction may be a conditioned reflex, triggered by daily routines, rather than solely nicotine craving.
- The efficacy of NRT in Gutkha cessation requires further investigation, potentially focusing on product acceptability.
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