The effect of chewing gum on tobacco withdrawal

Multimodal assessment of the effect of chewing gum on nicotine withdrawal

“…Surprisingly, when subjects were instructed to chew gum in the present study, they did not report less craving for a cigarette compared to the sessions in which they were not permitted to chew gum. This finding is inconsistent with previous research showing reduced craving symptoms when subjects chewed gum during temporary nicotine deprivation (Cohen et al, 1997) but is consistent with other nicotine research showing no significant changes in craving when a behavioral alternative was accessible (McChargue, Collins, & Cohen, 1996). These apparent inconsistencies may reflect the multidimensional nature of craving, which is influenced by appetitive, conditioned tolerance, affect, and withdrawal components of nicotine dependence (Rohsenow, Niaura, Childress, Abrams, & Monti, 1991).…”

“…The results of this study are consistent with a previous study, which showed that chewing gum helps with nicotine withdrawal when a nicotine-dependent person was prohibited from smoking (Cohen et al, 1997). When smokers were asked to chew gum, they reported significantly less withdrawal as compared to sessions where they were not permitted to chew gum.…”

“…Recent studies conducted in our laboratory have demonstrated that simple alternatives to smoking, such as chewing gum, may influence urge to smoke and nicotine withdrawal (Cohen, Britt, Collins, Stott, & Carter, 1999;Cohen, Collins, & Britt, 1997). Cohen et al (1997) assessed the effects of temporary deprivation (approximately 3 hours) on nicotine withdrawal and craving symptoms.…”

“…Cohen et al (1997) assessed the effects of temporary deprivation (approximately 3 hours) on nicotine withdrawal and craving symptoms. When smokers were instructed to use chewing gum, their self-reported nicotine withdrawal and craving symptoms substantially declined compared to a situation where they did not have access to gum.…”

The Etiology and Treatment of Nicotine Dependence: A Biopsychosocial Perspective

“…For example, encouraging the use of relaxation techniques (e.g., removing oneself from stressful situations, deep breathing) provides an alternative means by which to cope with stressful situations and negative affect associated with tobacco withdrawal (Dziegielewski & Eater, 2000;Hatsukami & Lando, 1999). The use of accessible substitutes, such as chewing gum, may also help the patient to cope with withdrawal symptoms (Cohen, Britt, Collins, al'Absi, & McChargue, 2001;Cohen, Britt, Collins, Stott, & Carter, 1999;Cohen, Collins, & Britt, 1997). In addition, encouraging the patient to avoid situations where tobacco use is likely to occur (e.g., bars, bowling alleys) as well as to engage in healthy alternative behaviors (e.g., exercise) may help to prolong abstinence (Dziegielewski & Eater, 2000;Ockene et al, 1999).…”