An MRI Study of Neural Activity Following Exposure to a Specific Substance in Young Cigarette Smokers
Oregon Health and Science University
Summary
Although rates of cigarette use are declining, the proportion of nondaily smokers is rising, particularly among young adults. Among young adults, nondaily smoking is associated with negative health consequences and, for some, may lead to the establishment of life-long smoking patterns. The goal of this project is to understand the behavioral, psychological and neurobiological factors that contribute to cigarette use in nondaily smokers to aid the development of tailored evidence-based interventions.
Description
The purpose of this study is to investigate the neurobiological mechanisms associated with cigarette use in young nondaily smokers (ages 21-25). Nondaily smokers experience fewer symptoms of cigarette withdrawal than daily smokers; however, they still experience difficulty quitting. Since smoking cessation before the age of 30 substantially attenuates the long-term health consequences associated with smoking, understanding the factors that motivate cigarette use in young nondaily smokers and developing tailored interventions will be critical for curbing cigarette use and improving public healt…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 21–40 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Participants must be 21-40 years old * Right-handed * Fluent in English * Report smoking cigarettes or e-cigarettes 1-27 days in the past month * Report binge drinking based on NIAAA criteria (5 or more drinks per occasion for males, 4 or more drinks per occasion for females) at least 1 time in the past 90 days without adverse incident Exclusion Criteria: * Seeking treatment for substance use (e.g. nicotine or alcohol use) * Moderate or Severe Nicotine Dependence * Current alcohol use disorder * Illicit substance use other than marijuana use in the past year * Marijuan…
Interventions
- DrugStudy Agent
The study agent will be administered via beverages and/or a capsule. The substances used in the study are legal, non-prescription, and are proven safe for human consumption at the doses used. The study agent may be a depressant (such as alcohol), a stimulant (such as caffeine), or an analgesic (such as aspirin).
- DrugPlacebo
In the placebo conditions participants will consume beverages and capsules that contain no or very small quantities of the study agent.
Location
- Oregon Health and Science UniversityPortland, Oregon