The craving factor in the treatment of smoking

A review of previous studies suggests that many of the consistent results obtained may reflect individual differences in smoking behaviour. It was felt that Tomkins' (1966) distinction between craving and non-craving smokers would be particularly relevant to this. The present study investigates the effects of such individual differences in smoking behaviour within a self-control treatment programme. Thirty-four smokers were assigned to three groups: two self-control treatment groups and an attention-monitoring control group. The treatment groups differed in that group II concentrated on the positive aspects of not smoking, whereas group III used a wide range of techniques. Treatment effects were not significant but a critical factor in abstinence, drop-out and percentage reduction during the study was craving/non-craving status. The results indicate that two separate populations of smokers exist who seem to have different responses to treatment. This, it is argued, has blurred analysis of results in previous studies. The two types of smoker may require separate treatment considerations, both in therapy and in long-term management.