Physiologic and subjective changes from smokeless tobacco withdrawal

Area of Science:

• Tobacco research
• Addiction medicine
• Clinical psychology

Background:

• Smokeless tobacco products, like Copenhagen, are widely used.
• Understanding withdrawal symptoms is crucial for cessation interventions.
• Cigarette smoking is a common form of tobacco use with well-documented withdrawal profiles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prospectively examine and compare withdrawal symptoms in users of Copenhagen smokeless tobacco and cigarette smokers.
• To quantify the physical and psychological changes experienced during tobacco deprivation.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study design involving 16 smokeless tobacco users and 11 cigarette smokers.
• A 6-day study period including a 3-day ad libitum tobacco use baseline.
• Tobacco deprivation followed by administration of various assessment measures.

Main Results:

• Smokeless tobacco deprivation led to decreased heart rate and orthostatic pulse change.
• Increased craving for tobacco, confusion, eating, and awakenings were observed post-deprivation.
• Cigarette smokers exhibited a greater number and severity of withdrawal symptoms compared to smokeless tobacco users.

Conclusions:

• Both smokeless tobacco and cigarette smoking cessation elicit significant withdrawal symptoms.
• Cigarette smoking withdrawal appears to be more severe than that associated with smokeless tobacco.
• Findings highlight the need for tailored cessation support for different tobacco product users.