Incubation of cue-induced cigarette craving during abstinence in human smokers

Abstract

Background: Abstinent drug users remain at risk for relapse long after withdrawal subsides. Animal studies indicate that responses to drug-related cues not only persist but increase with abstinence, a phenomenon termed "incubation of drug craving." It is unknown whether cue-induced craving increases, decreases, or remains constant with abstinence in humans. We investigated effects of abstinence on cue-induced craving in cigarette smokers. Methods: Eighty-six non-treatment-seeking, adult smokers (<10 cigarettes daily) were paid to abstain for 7 (Group 1), 14 (Group 2), or 35 (Groups 3 and 4) days. Abstinence was verified daily. Groups 1, 2, and 3 underwent a single cue session on the final ab..