UC San Diego

Nicotine craving typically develops shortly after last use and is conceptualized as essential to the development, maintenance, and treatment of nicotine dependence. Previous research has primarily examined the relationship between craving and use among individuals trying to quit smoking, and less is known about this relationship among active users, particularly e-cigarette users. The current study evaluated the association between craving and use by assessing both constructs twice daily over 7 days in a sample of daily (n = 80) and non-daily (n = 34) users of combustible tobacco and e-cigarette products. We used negative binomial regression modeling to analyze the relationship between nicotine craving and use in two ways. First, we evaluated a lagged model in which craving at the time of assessment predicted use during the next time period. Next, we evaluated a model in which maximum craving since the last assessment predicted use during the same time period. Maximum craving was significantly and positively associated with nicotine product use (p <.05) while craving at the time of assessment was not. These associations did not differ depending on use frequency or on specific products used. Findings provide evidence that self-report ratings of craving are associated with greater nicotine and tobacco product use for both frequent and intermittent users. Furthermore, these results may be useful in developing or modifying interventions for a wide variety of nicotine users, including those who are not yet intending to make a change to their nicotine use.