Craving among long-abstinent smokers: an Internet survey.
BACKGROUND
This survey estimated the prevalence and correlates of craving among long-abstinent smokers.


METHODS
We surveyed 403 former smokers (abstinent 1-10 years) via an Internet consumer sample (www.zoomerang.com).


RESULTS
Although the majority (59%) of former smokers reported a desire to smoke in the last year, this desire appeared to be clinically significant in only 11%. Those with significant prolonged craving were more nicotine dependent and appeared to have more mental health problems but did differ from other former smokers on demographics or family history of smoking.


CONCLUSIONS
A minority of smokers appears to continue to struggle with cravings long after cessation. Replications in larger more generalizable surveys are needed. In addition, whether prolonged craving indicates risk for relapse needs to be determined.
Hughes
John R
JR
Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont, UHC Campus, Mail Stop 482, Burlington, VT 05401, USA. john.hughes@uvm.edu
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult