Reducing nicotine in cigarettes could curb addiction

New York Aug 24 (IANS) Reducing nicotine content in cigarettes may decrease their addiction potential in vulnerable populations says a study.

The research team examined the addiction potential of cigarettes with reduced nicotine content in three vulnerable populations of smokers -- individuals with psychiatric disorders (affective disorders opioid-use disorder) and socio-economically disadvantaged women.

"Evidence in relatively healthy and socially stable smokers indicates that reducing the nicotine content of cigarettes reduces their addictiveness " said lead researcher Stephen Higgins Professor at University of Vermont in the US.

"Whether that same effect would be seen in populations highly vulnerable to tobacco addiction was unknown " Higgins said.

The new study published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry is "the first large controlled study to examine the dose-dependent effects of cigarettes with reduced nicotine content on the reinforcing effects subjective effects and smoking topography of vulnerable populations" according to the study s authors.

The study ran between March 2015 and April 2016 and included 169 daily smokers including 120 women and 49 men.

"This study provides a very encouraging indication that reducing the nicotine content of cigarettes would help vulnerable populations " Higgins said.

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