Physical dependence on nicotine in gum. A placebo substitution trial
J. R. Hughes, D. K. Hatsukami and K. P. Skoog
To test whether ex-smokers become physically dependent on nicotine in gum,
we entered eight ex-smokers who were using nicotine gum into a randomized,
double-blind, placebo-substitution trial. When placebo was substituted,
seven of the eight subjects were observed to have withdrawal symptoms and
two relapsed to smoking or nicotine gum. This result suggests that physical
dependence (ie, withdrawal) may be a cause of behavioral dependence on
nicotine gum (ie, use of gum beyond the recommended period) and physicians
should emphasize the need for gradual reduction of nicotine gum.
