Nicotine level as a predictor of smoking frequency: a case report

Laboratory-based evidence is inconsistent regarding the regulation of nicotine intake for habitual smokers. The present case report describes an in vivo double-blind alteration of nicotine level for two long-term, heavy smokers. In spite of large changes in nicotine intake, the frequency of smoking remained stable. It was concluded that other variables may play an equal or more important role than nicotine in governing smoking behavior in the natural setting.