Behavioral Memory Modulation for Nicotine Addiction

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen ByMichael Saladin, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May be covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Medical University of South Carolina

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?The purpose of the study is to see if a behavioral intervention known as retrieval-extinction training (RET) might affect craving in response to nicotine cues (e.g., pictures, videos and objects) and smoking behavior in men and women who smoke cigarettes.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for healthy adults aged 25-65 who have smoked at least 10 cigarettes daily for over 3 years. They must live within a 50-mile radius of the research site, have reliable transport, and not use other smoking cessation aids during the study. Participants should be willing to stop smoking before certain visits and stay smoke-free for four days.

Participant Groups

The study tests if Retrieval Extinction Training (RET), a behavioral intervention, can reduce cravings and alter smoking behavior in response to nicotine cues. Some participants will undergo RET with fMRI scanning while others without it or may receive control treatments.

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: R-E (Retrieval Extinction)Experimental Treatment1 Intervention

83 anticipated participants will undergo 3 sessions on consecutive days of the Retrieval Extinction Training (RET) intervention consisting of a 5-minute 'retrieval' smoking-content video followed 10 minutes later by 1 hour of 'extinction' training consisting of four sequences of smoking-related cues (e.g., pictures). Participants will also receive a lab-based smoking-related cue-reactivity experience during the baseline assessment and 24-hour follow-up test.

Group II: NR-E (No R-E)Experimental Treatment1 Intervention

83 anticipated participants will undergo 3 sessions on consecutive days of the control Retrieval Extinction Training (RET) intervention consisting of a 5-minute 'retrieval' non-smoking or neutral-content video followed 10 minutes later by 1 hour of 'extinction' training consisting of four sequences of non-smoking or neutral cues (e.g., pictures). Participants will also receive a lab-based non-smoking or neutral cue-reactivity experience during the baseline assessment and 24-hour follow-up test.