Reinforcement enhancing effects of nicotine via smoking

Abstract

Rationale In animals, nicotine enhances reinforcement from stimuli unrelated to nicotine intake. Human research is suggestive but has not clearly shown a similar influence of nicotine. Objectives We assessed acute effects of nicotine via smoking on enhancement of positive (money, music) or negative (termination of noise) reinforcers, or no “reward” (control). These different rewards determined the generalizability of nicotine effects. Materials and Methods Dependent (n=25) and nondependent (n=27) smokers participated in three sessions, each after overnight abstinence. Using a within-subjects design, sessions involved no smoking or smoking denicotinized (0.05 mg) or nicotine (0.6 mg) QuestR brand cigarettes. For comparison, a fourth session involved no abstinence prior to smoking one’s own brand to gauge responses under typical nicotine satiation. Reinforcement was assessed by responses on a simple operant computer task for the rewards, each available singly on a progressive ratio schedule during separate trials. Results The reinforcing effect of music, but not other rewards, was greater due to the nicotine cigarette, compared to the denicotinized cigarette or no smoking. Reinforcement enhancing effects of nicotine did not differ between dependent and nondependent groups, indicating no influence of withdrawal relief. Responding due to acute nicotine after abstinence was very similar to responding one’s own brand after no abstinence. Conclusions Acute nicotine intake per se from smoking after abstinence enhances the reinforcing value of rewards unassociated with smoking, perhaps in a manner comparable to ad lib smoking after no abstinence. Nicotine’s reinforcement enhancing effects may be specific to certain rewards, perhaps those sensory in nature.

The acute effects of tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption on video-lottery terminal gambling

“…For example, gamblers who smoke have been shown to spend more when gambling than their non-smoking counterparts do (McGrath et al, 2012a) and there is evidence of a marked decrease in gambling revenues from electronic gaming machines in jurisdictions that have implemented smoking bans in gaming venues (Lal and Siahpush, 2008;Pakko, 2004;Thalheimer and Ali, 2008). Such findings are consistent with recent evidence that nicotine administered via tobacco smoke may enhance the incentive value of non-smoking reward related stimuli (e.g., Attwood et al, 2012;Perkins and Karelitz, 2013). However, in two recent studies the acute administration of nicotine via inhalers (McGrath et al, 2012b) and lozenges (McGrath et al, 2013) did not impact upon VLT gambling behavior or the desire to gamble.…”

Reward and Affective Regulation in Depression-Prone Smokers

“…In this paradigm, participants moved a computer mouse to hit targets on one of two computer screens: one to earn points toward smoking and one for money. Using a concurrent schedule (71, 72), participants could switch from working on one screen to the other as often as they wish. Participants were instructed to move the computer mouse to have the cursor hit the targets (either a $ or a cigarette).…”

Expectancies for Cigarettes, E-Cigarettes, and Nicotine Replacement Therapies Among E-Cigarette Users (aka Vapers)

“…Satisfaction is generally one of the stronger effects found when nicotine is compared to placebo. 54,55 Given that nicotine is increasingly recognized as a secondary, rather than a primary reinforcer, [56][57][58][59] it may be that the unique flavorings associated with e-cigarettes are leading to the increased reports of satisfaction.…”