Emotional triggers for exclusive smokers may be different from people who smoke and vape
Researchers have known that emotions play a critical, but complex role in shaping dependency on smoking and vaping. Now, a team of researchers report that emotions that trigger dependency for people who both smoke and vape may be different from people who just smoke, a finding that may one day help scientists create more personalized programs to help people quit tobacco smoking and vaping.
In a study, the researchers found that negative emotions among dual users -; people who both smoke and vape -; tend to be associated with tobacco dependence, while positive emotions among exclusive smokers -; people who only smoke cigarettes -; tended to be associated with that group s tobacco dependence.
Many lighter smokers can be addicted to cigarettes
Even people who consider themselves to be casual cigarette smokers may be addicted, according to current diagnostic criteria. Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine and Duke University found that many light smokers those who smoke one to four cigarettes per day or fewer meet the criteria for nicotine addiction and should therefore be considered for treatment.
In the past, some considered that only patients who smoke around 10 cigarettes per day or more were addicted, and I still hear that sometimes. But this study demonstrates that many lighter smokers, even those who do not smoke every day, can be addicted to cigarettes. It also suggests that we need to be more precise when we ask about cigarette smoking frequency.