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Differentiating withdrawal patterns between smokers and smokeless tobacco users
1Department of Psychology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater 74078-3064, USA.
Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology
|June 3, 1998
Summary
Smokeless tobacco users and smokers experience more withdrawal symptoms during deprivation. Withdrawal symptoms decrease over time on non-deprivation days, suggesting a need for stabilization before deprivation periods.
Area of Science:
- Addiction research
- Behavioral psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Smokeless tobacco use is prevalent globally.
- Understanding tobacco withdrawal is crucial for cessation interventions.
- Limited research exists on smokeless tobacco withdrawal patterns compared to smoking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document smokeless tobacco withdrawal patterns.
- To compare withdrawal responses between smokeless tobacco users and smokers.
- To investigate the impact of deprivation duration on withdrawal symptoms.
Main Methods:
- A within-subjects design was used with 19 participants (smokers and smokeless users).
- Participants completed the Withdrawal Symptoms Checklist under 48-hour deprivation and non-deprivation conditions.
- Data were collected weekly, assessing cognitive and affective changes.
Main Results:
- Both groups reported significantly higher withdrawal symptoms during 48-hour deprivation versus non-deprivation.
- Withdrawal symptom endorsement decreased from 0 to 48 hours on non-deprivation days for both user groups.
- A notable downward trend in symptoms was observed during non-deprivation periods.
Conclusions:
- Smokeless tobacco withdrawal is a significant issue, comparable to smoking withdrawal.
- Withdrawal symptom severity is influenced by deprivation status.
- Stabilizing withdrawal symptoms during non-deprivation periods may be beneficial before initiating deprivation protocols.