Research

Those times when you need a cigarette, explained: Circumstance has a lot to do with it
According to a new study, smokers crave cigarettes at times when they know they can have one, and not just when the nicotine levels in the body are low. Researchers have discovered that cigarette cravings can be tamed using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) fields to target certain areas of the brain. When the researchers interrupted the connection between the part of the brain that controls the need for nicotine and the mental desire to smoke, the smoker was better able to control their cravings. When smokers sensed that an opportunity to smoke was coming near, such as a break, then their desire to smoke increased. It was discovered that this phenomenon occurs in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) part of the brain. With magnetic stimulation, researchers were able to reduce the cravings. Future research needs to examine how treatments for tobacco addictions can be developed since the part of the brain that is involved has been identified. Click here to read more about this study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Does tobacco-control mass media campaign exposure prevent relapse among recent quitters?
Increased exposure to tobacco control mass media campaigns may be effective in reducing the likelihood of relapse among smokers who recently quit. A recent study examined the effectiveness of greater exposure to mass media tobacco control campaigns on recent quitters. The results showed that as exposure to a mass media campaign increased, the odds of not smoking during the three month follow-up increased by 5%. This study provides evidence that greater exposure to tobacco control mass media campaigns may reduce relapse rates among recent quitters. Click here to read the study abstract published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research.

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Reports

New tobacco cessation treatment website
Treatobacco.net is a new resource for those working on the treatment of tobacco dependence throughout the world. It presents authoritative, independent, evidence-based information about the treatment of tobacco dependence, under five headings: Demographics and Health Effects, Efficacy, Health Economics, Policy, and Safety. It also provides a resource library and a listing of useful organizations in tobacco control. The site is managed by the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco (SRNT), the Society for the Study of Addiction (SSA), the InterAmerican Heart Foundation (IAHF), and the National Centre for Smoking Cessation and Training (NCSCT). Click here to access this web resource.

New study recruiting Minnesota nonsmokers who want to support smokers to quit (MN)
Mayo Clinic and ClearWay Minnesota are conducting a study to learn the effectiveness of a telephone-based program to support persons who are worried about a cigarette smoker. The program teaches nonsmokers new ways to approach and support smokers to quit. The program is conveniently provided by phone and mail. The smoker can receive free quitline services, which include a personalized quit program, coaching over the phone, and free nicotine patches, lozenges or gum. Support persons will also receive a gift for their participation. Healthcare providers and tobacco control professionals in Minnesota can share information about this study by distributing the study recruitment flyer and referring individuals who are interested in participating in the study. This free program is open to all nonsmoking Minnesota residents, ages 18 and older. Click here for more information. Call 1-800-957-2950 or email the study staff to learn more.

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