Electronic cigarette cue reactivity in exclusive electronic cigarette users.

Area of Science:

• Behavioral psychology
• Addiction research
• Public health

Background:

• Electronic cigarette (ECIG) cues can trigger cravings in smokers.
• Limited research exists on ECIG cue effects in individuals with minimal smoking history who regularly vape.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of ECIG cue exposure on craving, withdrawal relief anticipation, mood, and decision-making in regular vapers with minimal smoking history.

Main Methods:

• 42 participants completed within-subjects conditions with ECIG or neutral cues.
• Subjective measures of craving, withdrawal, and mood were assessed pre- and post-cue exposure.
• Delay discounting and behavioral economic tasks evaluated ECIG use after cue exposure.

Main Results:

• ECIG cues, compared to neutral cues, significantly increased ECIG craving, anticipated withdrawal relief, and negative mood.
• ECIG cues also increased discounting of delayed ECIG access (minutes), but not puffs.

Conclusions:

• This study is the first to show ECIG cues elevate craving and negative mood in non-smokers who vape.
• Findings support the need for regulations on public vaping to mitigate cue-induced urges.