Raymond S Niaura

Professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Professional overview

Dr. Raymond Niaura is a psychologist and an expert on tobacco dependence and treatment, as well as substance use and addiction to alcohol. Dr. Niaura researches the biobehavioral substrates of tobacco dependence, including factors that influence adolescent and early adult tobacco use trajectories. He also evaluates behavioral and pharmacological treatments for tobacco cessation, with a particular interest in cessation in disadvantaged population to address public health disparities in tobacco-related burdens of illness and disability.

For eight year, Dr. Niaura was the Director of Science and Training at the Schroeder Institute (SI) for Tobacco Research and Policy Studies at the Truth Initiative, where he also supervised the pre- and post-doctoral training programs. Dr. Niaura has previously taught and conducted research at Brown University, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, the Georgetown Medical Center, and the School of Public Health at University of Maryland. He was also a former President of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco and is  a Deputy Editor of the Nicotine and Tobacco Research.

With grants from the National Institutes of Health, numerous foundations, and private industry, Dr. Niaura has published over 400 peer-reviewed articles, commentaries, and book chapters, including the book The Tobacco Dependence Treatment Handbook: A Guide to Best Practices.

Education

BA, Psychology (First Class Honors), McGill University, Montreal, Canada

MS, Psychology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ

PhD, Psychology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ

Honors and awards

Research Laureate, American Academy of Health Behavior (2009)

University Scholar Award, McGill University (1979)

Areas of research and study

Alcohol, Tobacco and Driving Policies

Evaluations

Health Disparities

Substance Abuse

Tobacco Control

Publications

Publications

Does the five factor model of personality apply to smokers? A preliminary investigation

Shadel, W. G., Niaura, R. S., Goldstein, M. G., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

2000

Journal title

Journal of Applied Biobehavioral Research

Volume

5

Issue

2

Page(s)

114-120

10.1111/j.1751-9861.2000.tb00068.x

Abstract

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between the Big Five personality dimensions and smoking variables. Thirty-seven smokers completed a standard, reliable 80-item bipolar measure of the Big Five trait dimensions, as well as measures of nicotine dependence, smoking exposure, and quitting history. Despite finding some significant zero-order relationships between a few of the dimensions and the smoking variables, only one of the partial correlational analyses that controlled for relationships among the personality dimensions in their associations with the nicotine dependence and smoking history variables was significant. These results indicate the need for further research on personality traits and smoking.

Does the five factor model of personality apply to smokers? A preliminary investigation

Shadel, W. G., Niaura, R. S., Goldstein, M. G., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

2000

Journal title

Journal of Applied Biobehavioral Research

Volume

5

Issue

2

Page(s)

114-120

10.1111/j.1751-9861.2000.tb00068

Abstract

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between the Big Five personality dimensions and smoking variables. Thirty-seven smokers completed a standard, reliable 80-item bipolar measure of the Big Five trait dimensions, as well as measures of nicotine dependence, smoking exposure, and quitting history. Despite finding some significant zero-order relationships between a few of the dimensions and the smoking variables, only one of the partial correlational analyses that controlled for relationships among the personality dimensions in their associations with the nicotine dependence and smoking history variables was significant. These results indicate the need for further research on personality traits and smoking.

Does 'unlearning' ever really occur : Comment on Conklin & Tiffany [1]

Niaura, R. S. (n.d.).

Publication year

2002

Journal title

Addiction

Volume

97

Issue

3

Page(s)

357

10.1046/j.1360-0443.2002.0055a.x

Abstract

Abstract

~

Dopamine D4 receptor gene variation moderates the efficacy of bupropion for smoking cessation

Niaura, R. S., Leventhal, A. M., David, S. P., Brightman, M., Strong, D., McGeary, J. E., Brown, R. A., Lloyd-Richardson, E. E., Munafò, M., Uhl, G. R., & Niaura, R. (n.d.).

Publication year

2012

Journal title

Pharmacogenomics Journal

Volume

12

Issue

1

Page(s)

86-92

10.1038/tpj.2010.64

Abstract

Abstract

Smokers (10 cigarettes per day, N331) of European ancestry taking part in a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial of 12 weeks of treatment with bupropion along with counseling for smoking cessation were genotyped for a variable number of tandem repeats polymorphism in exon III of the dopamine D4 receptor gene. Generalized estimating equations predicting point-prevalence abstinence at end of treatment and 2, 6 and 12 months after the end of treatment indicated that bupropion (vs placebo) predicted increased odds of abstinence. The main effect of Genotype was not significant. A Genotype × Treatment interaction (P0.005) showed that bupropion predicted increased odds of abstinence in long-allele carriers (odds ratios (OR)1.31, P0.0001), whereas bupropion was not associated with abstinence among short-allele homozygotes (OR1.06, P0.23). The Genotype × Treatment interaction remained when controlling for demographic and clinical covariates (P0.01) and in analyses predicting continuous abstinence (P's0.054). Bupropion may be more efficacious for smokers who carry the long allele, which is relevant to personalized pharmacogenetic treatment approaches.

DSM III and the addictive behaviors

Niaura, R. S., & Nathan, P. (n.d.). (T. Nirenberg & S. Maisto, Eds.).

Publication year

1987

Page(s)

31-47

Abstract

Abstract

~

E-cigarette awareness, use, and harm perceptions in US adults

Pearson, J. L., Richardson, A., Niaura, R. S., Vallone, D. M., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

2012

Journal title

American journal of public health

Volume

102

Issue

9

Page(s)

1758-1766

10.2105/AJPH.2011.300526

Abstract

Abstract

Objectives. We estimated e-cigarette (electronic nicotine delivery system) awareness, use, and harm perceptions among US adults. Methods. We drew data from 2 surveys conducted in 2010: a national online study (n = 2649) and the Legacy Longitudinal Smoker Cohort (n = 3658). We used multivariable models to examine e-cigarette awareness, use, and harm perceptions. Results. In the online survey, 40.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 37.3, 43.1) had heard of e-cigarettes, with awareness highest among current smokers. Utilization was higher among current smokers (11.4%; 95% CI = 9.3, 14.0) than in the total population (3.4%; 95% CI = 2.6, 4.2), with 2.0% (95% CI = 1.0, 3.8) of former smokers and 0.8% (95% CI = 0.35, 1.7) of never-smokers ever using e-cigarettes. In both surveys, non-Hispanic Whites, current smokers, young adults, and those with at least a high-school diploma were most likely to perceive e-cigarettes as less harmful than regular cigarettes. Conclusions. Awareness of e-cigarettes is high, and use among current and former smokers is evident. We recommend product regulation and careful surveillance to monitor public health impact and emerging utilization patterns, and to ascertain why, how, and under what conditions e-cigarettes are being used.

E-Cigarette Science and Its Relevance for Regulatory Actions and Policy

Niaura, R. S., & Niaura, R. (n.d.).

Publication year

2018

Journal title

Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco

Volume

20

Issue

8

Page(s)

911

10.1093/ntr/nty091

Abstract

Abstract

~

E-cigarette use and change in plans to quit cigarette smoking among adult smokers in the United States : Longitudinal findings from the PATH Study 2014–2019

Kasza, K. A., Edwards, K. C., Anesetti-Rothermel, A., Creamer, M. L., Cummings, K. M., Niaura, R. S., Sharma, A., Pitts, S. R., Head, S. K., Everard, C. D., Hatsukami, D. K., & Hyland, A. (n.d.).

Publication year

2022

Journal title

Addictive Behaviors

Volume

124

10.1016/j.addbeh.2021.107124

Abstract

Abstract

Introduction: Much of the population-based e-cigarette use and cigarette cessation literature is restricted to smokers who have expressed intention to quit smoking, though experimental studies suggest e-cigarette use might motivate some smokers to change their quit intentions. We used U.S. nationally representative data to evaluate whether e-cigarette use by smokers initially not planning to ever quit is associated with change in plans to quit. Methods: Longitudinal Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study data collected between 2014 and 2019 were analyzed. Main analyses were conducted among adult daily cigarette smokers not currently using e-cigarettes with no plans to ever quit smoking (n = 2366 observations from n = 1532 individuals). Generalized estimating equations were used to evaluate the association between change in e-cigarette use and change in plans to quit smoking within the next six months, over three assessment pairs. Results: Daily cigarette smokers with no plans to quit had a higher rate of change to plan to quit if at follow-up they used e-cigarettes daily (41.4%, 95% CI: 27.1–57.3%) versus not at all (12.4%, 95% CI: 10.6–14.5%; aOR = 5.7, 95% CI: 2.9–11.2). Rate of change to plan to quit did not statistically differ between those who at follow-up used e-cigarettes some days versus not at all. Conclusions: Among adult daily cigarette smokers initially not planning to ever quit, subsequent daily e-cigarette use is associated with subsequent plans to quit smoking. Population-level research on e-cigarette use that is focused on smokers already motivated to quit may limit a complete evaluation of the smoker population.

E-Cigarette Use and COVID-19 : Questioning Data Reliability

Farsalinos, K., & Niaura, R. S. (n.d.).

Publication year

2021

Journal title

Journal of Adolescent Health

Volume

68

Issue

1

Page(s)

213

10.1016/j.jadohealth.2020.09.012

Abstract

Abstract

~

E-cigarette Use and Myocardial Infarction : Association Versus Causal Inference

Farsalinos, K., & Niaura, R. S. (n.d.).

Publication year

2019

Journal title

American journal of preventive medicine

Volume

56

Issue

4

Page(s)

626-627

10.1016/j.amepre.2018.11.013

Abstract

Abstract

~

E-cigarettes and Cessation : Asking Different Questions Requires Different Methods

Glasser, A., Giovenco, D. P., Levy, D. T., Vojjala, M., Cantrell, J., Abrams, D. S., & Niaura, R. S. (n.d.).

Publication year

2021

Journal title

Nicotine and Tobacco Research

Volume

23

Issue

5

Page(s)

878-879

10.1093/ntr/ntaa249

Abstract

Abstract

~

E-Cigarettes and smoking cessation : Insights and cautions from a secondary analysis of data from a study of online treatment-seeking smokers

Pearson, J. L., Stanton, C. A., Cha, S., Niaura, R. S., Luta, G., & Graham, A. L. (n.d.).

Publication year

2015

Journal title

Nicotine and Tobacco Research

Volume

17

Issue

10

Page(s)

1219-1227

10.1093/ntr/ntu269

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Evidence from observational studies regarding the association between electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use and cessation is mixed and difficult to interpret. Utilizing 2 analytic methods, this study illustrates challenges common in analyses of observational data, highlights measurement challenges, and reports associations between e-cigarette use and smoking cessation. Methods: Data were drawn from an ongoing web-based smoking cessation trial. The sample was comprised of 2,123 participants with complete 3-month follow-up data. Logistic regression models with and without entropy balancing to control for confounds were conducted to evaluate the association between e-cigarette use and 30-day cigarette smoking abstinence. Results: At follow-up, 31.7% of participants reported using e-cigarettes to quit in the past 3 months. E-cigarette users differed from nonusers on baseline characteristics including cigarettes per day, Fagerström score, quit attempt in the past year, and previous use of e-cigarettes to quit. At followup, e-cigarette users made more quit attempts and employed more cessation aids than smokers who did not use e-cigarettes to quit. E-cigarette use was negatively associated with abstinence after adjustment for baseline characteristics; however, the association was not significant after additional adjustment for use of other cessation aids at 3 months. Conclusions: The magnitude and significance of the estimated association between e-cigarette use and cessation in this study were dependent upon the analytical approach. Observational studies should employ multiple analytic approaches to address threats to validity. Future research should employ better measures of patterns of and reasons for e-cigarette use, frequency of e-cigarette use, and concurrent use of cessation aids.

E-cigarettes and Smoking Cessation in the United States According to Frequency of E-cigarette Use and Quitting Duration : Analysis of the 2016 and 2017 National Health Interview Surveys

Farsalinos, K. E., & Niaura, R. S. (n.d.).

Publication year

2020

Journal title

Nicotine and Tobacco Research

Volume

22

Issue

5

Page(s)

655-662

10.1093/ntr/ntz025

Abstract

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use and smoking cessation among US adults. Duration of smoking cessation was taken into consideration because e-cigarette awareness and use were low in the United States before 2010. Methods: A pooled analysis of the 2016 and 2017 National Health Interview Surveys on current (N = 9935) and former smokers (N = 14 754) was performed. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs), for sociodemographic factors, were calculated. Findings: Current e-cigarette use was reported by 10.5% (95% CI = 9.8% to 11.3%) of current smokers and 4.5% (95% CI = 4.0% to 5.0%) of former smokers. Prevalence was high in former smokers of less than 1 year (16.8%, 95% CI = 13.9% to 20.2%), 1-3 years (15.0%, 95% CI = 13.0% to 17.3%), and 4-6 years (10.5%, 95% CI = 8.6% to 12.7%), and very low in former smokers of more than 6 years (0.7%, 95% CI = 0.5% to 0.9%). Similar patterns were observed for daily e-cigarette use. Current e-cigarette use was negatively associated with being a former smoker when quit duration was ignored (aPR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.59 to 0.69) but was positively associated with being a former smoker of less than 1 year (aPR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.12 to 1.84) and 1-3 years (aPR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.03 to 1.42). Daily e-cigarette use was not associated with being a former smoker when quit duration was ignored but was positively associated with being a former smoker of less than 1 year (aPR = 3.44, 95% CI = 2.63 to 4.49), 1-3 years (aPR = 2.51, 95% CI = 2.13 to 2.95), and 4-6 years (aPR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.49 to 2.26). Conclusions: Daily e-cigarette use is strongly associated with recent smoking cessation (≤6 years) among US adults. Frequency of e-cigarette use and smoking cessation duration are important parameters when analyzing the effects of e-cigarettes in population surveys. Implications: There is controversy on whether e-cigarettes promote or prevent smoking cessation. This study presents a detailed analysis of the association between e-cigarette use and smoking cessation in the United States considering frequency of e-cigarette use and duration of smoking cessation. The latter was considered appropriate because e-cigarette awareness and use were low in the United States before 2010. Daily e-cigarette use is strongly associated with recent (≤6 years) smoking cessation in the United States. Both frequency of e-cigarette use and duration of smoking cessation are important factors in determining the effects of e-cigarettes in population studies.

Early life stress and adult emotional experience : An international perspective

Cohen, R. A., Hitsman, B. L., Paul, R. H., McCaffery, J., Stroud, L., Sweet, L., Gunstad, J., Niaura, R. S., MacFarlane, A., Bryant, R. A., & Gordon, E. (n.d.).

Publication year

2006

Journal title

International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine

Volume

36

Issue

1

Page(s)

35-52

10.2190/5R62-9PQY-0NEL-TLPA

Abstract

Abstract

Early life stress (ELS) has been linked to adult psychopathology, though few studies have examined the universality of specific adverse childhood events (ACEs) in healthy adults. We examined the co-occurrence of specific ACEs and their relationship to current emotional distress in an international sample of adults without psychopathology. Participants were 1659 men and women recruited for an international neurocognitive-neuroimaging database from sites in the United States, Australia, England, and the Netherlands. Participants had no current or prior diagnosis of major depression, anxiety, substance abuse, or neurological brain disorder. The occurrence and age on onset of 19 ACEs was assessed by a self-report questionnaire (ELSQ), and current symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety by the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS). The relationship of specific ACEs to DASS symptoms was examined. Participants reported relatively high prevalence of ACEs. Only 27.6% of the sample reported no ACEs, while 39.5% reported one or two significant experiences and 32.9% reported more than two ACEs. Rates of most ACEs were quite similar across the three continents. Various ACEs were significantly associated with current DASS severity, particularly ACEs involving emotional abuse, neglect, and family conflict, violence, and breakup. Finding nearly one-third of the sample reported three or more ACEs suggest a high prevalence of ELS in otherwise healthy "normal" adults around the world. Associations between ELS and current emotional distress suggest that these events have functional relevance and deserve further investigation.

Early Life Stress and Morphometry of the Adult Anterior Cingulate Cortex and Caudate Nuclei

Cohen, R. A., Grieve, S., Hoth, K. F., Paul, R. H., Sweet, L., Tate, D., Gunstad, J., Stroud, L., McCaffery, J., Hitsman, B., Niaura, R. S., Clark, C. R., MacFarlane, A., Bryant, R., Gordon, E., & Williams, L. M. (n.d.).

Publication year

2006

Journal title

Biological Psychiatry

Volume

59

Issue

10

Page(s)

975-982

10.1016/j.biopsych.2005.12.016

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Early life stress (ELS) is linked to adult psychopathology and may contribute to long-term brain alterations, as suggested by studies of women who suffered childhood sexual abuse. We examine whether reported adverse ELS defined as stressful and/or traumatic adverse childhood events (ACEs) is associated with smaller limbic and basal ganglia volumes. Method: 265 healthy Australian men and women without psychopathology or brain disorders were studied. ACEs were assessed by the ELSQ and current emotional state by the DASS. Anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), hippocampus, amygdala, and caudate nucleus volumes were measured from T1-weighted MRI. Analyses examined ROI volumetric associations with reported ACEs and DASS scores. Results: Participants with greater than two ACEs had smaller ACC and caudate nuclei than those without ACEs. A significant association between total ACEs and ROI volumes for these structures was observed. Regression analysis also revealed that ELS was more strongly associated than current emotional state (DASS) with these ROI volumes. Conclusions: Reported ELS is associated with smaller ACC and caudate volumes, but not the hippocampal or amygdala volumes. The reasons for these brain effects are not entirely clear, but may reflect the influence of early stress and traumatic events on the developing brain.

Early life stress is associated with greater default network deactivation during working memory in healthy controls : A preliminary report

Philip, N. S., Sweet, L. H., Tyrka, A. R., Price, L. H., Carpenter, L. L., Kuras, Y. I., Clark, U. S., & Niaura, R. S. (n.d.).

Publication year

2013

Journal title

Brain Imaging and Behavior

Volume

7

Issue

2

Page(s)

204-212

10.1007/s11682-012-9216-x

Abstract

Abstract

Early life stress (ELS) is a common risk factor for psychopathology, but there are few functional neuroimaging studies investigating its effects. In this preliminary study, we investigated the correlates of ELS exposure on the default network (DN) through measurements of task-associated DN deactivation. Data were analyzed from 19 subjects without psychiatric illness (10 with ELS). Subjects performed the working memory (WM) N-back task (including a 2-back WM and 0-back control condition) while undergoing functional MRI. We compared brain responses in the two groups across 5 bilateral DN regions using an a priori region of interest (ROI) analysis. The ELS group demonstrated significantly greater DN deactivation, observed in the right posterior cingulate cortex PCC, bilateral medial prefrontal cortex, left middle/superior frontal gyrus and right middle temporal region. These preliminary results indicate subjects with ELS demonstrate greater DN deactivations to WM challenges compared to non-ELS controls, potentially reflecting a biomarker of long-term effects of ELS exposure.

Early Subjective Sensory Experiences with “Cigalike” E-cigarettes Among African American Menthol Smokers : A qualitative study

Smiley, S. L., DeAtley, T., Rubin, L. F., Harvey, E., Kierstead, E. C., Hooper, M. W., Niaura, R. S., Abrams, D. B., & Pearson, J. L. (n.d.).

Publication year

2018

Journal title

Nicotine and Tobacco Research

Volume

20

Issue

9

Page(s)

1069-1075

10.1093/ntr/ntx102

Abstract

Abstract

Introduction: Despite smoker interest in e-cigarettes as a harm reduction or cessation aid, many smokers prematurely discontinue vaping after trying a product. This study explored the role of early subjective sensory experiences in vaping persistence and desistance. Methods: African American menthol cigarette smokers aged ≥18 years (N = 15; M = 54.1 years; SD = 8.2), motivated to quit smoking, and interested in trying e-cigarettes were recruited in Washington, DC. Participants were followed for 3 weeks and provided menthol cigalike e-cigarettes after Week 1. Participants completed three interviews about their vaping experiences. Thematic analysis of responses was designed to understand the sensory aspects of vaping. Results: During the first 2 weeks of vaping, four participants reported a positive vaping experience while 11 reported decreased satisfaction. Salient sensory attributes of dissatisfaction included poor taste, insufficient throat hit, difficulty pulling, and a lack of “whole body” satisfaction compared to their preferred cigarette brand. Conclusions: The sensory experiences with a specific cigalike e-cigarette were related to vaping persistence and desistence. Although this was a small volunteer sample of African American menthol smokers motivated to quit smoking, 27% (N = 4) of participants with a positive vaping experience continued using the product, while 73% (N = 11) of participants' vaping experience was unsatisfactory across several experiential categories. In future research of e-cigarettes' efficacy as a smoking cessation or reduction aid, both device characteristics and smokers' expectations for these devices should be considered, so vapers do not expect the same taste sensations, throat sensations, and “whole body” satisfaction as they experienced with their menthol cigarettes. Implications: The subjective sensory experiences associated with initial e-cigarette product use are associated with use patterns. Subjective sensory experiences may also help understand the differences in the appeal, satisfaction, and harm-reduction potential of the rapidly evolving diverse types of products emerging in the marketplace. How products meet the sensory needs of smokers wanting to switch or quit smoking may influence adherence and success rates.

Editorial : Nicotine and SARS-CoV-2: COVID-19 may be a disease of the nicotinic cholinergic system

Farsalinos, K., Niaura, R. S., Le Houezec, J., Barbouni, A., Tsatsakis, A., Kouretas, D., Vantarakis, A., & Poulas, K. (n.d.).

Publication year

2020

Journal title

Toxicology Reports

Volume

7

Page(s)

658-663

10.1016/j.toxrep.2020.04.012

Abstract

Abstract

~

Educational attainment and the heritability of self-reported hypertension among male vietnam-era twins

McCaffery, J. M., Papandonatos, G. D., Lyons, M. J., & Niaura, R. S. (n.d.).

Publication year

2008

Journal title

Psychosomatic Medicine

Volume

70

Issue

7

Page(s)

781-786

10.1097/PSY.0b013e3181817be6

Abstract

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the potential for gene = environment interaction in hypertension by examining the extent to which educational attainment modifies the heritability of hypertension in male twins. Prior twin and family studies have established that hypertension runs in families and is heritable. In addition, epidemiological research indicates that the prevalence of hypertension differs by socioeconomic factors, such as educational attainment. Methods: Twin structural equation modeling was used to examine educational attainment as a moderator of heritability of hypertension. Participants were 4301 monozygotic and 3414 dizygotic male Vietnam-era twins who provided data on both education (in years) and self-report of physician diagnosis of hypertension or medication usage. Results: Heritability was 17 points lower among co-twins concordant for educational attainment of ≤14 years (0.46, 95% CI = 0.32-0.57) relative to co-twins concordant for >14 years of education (0.63, 95% CI = 0.54-0.71). The significant moderation of the heritability (p =.04) was confirmed in twin models examining educational attainment as a continuous moderator of hypertension. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that the expression of genetic vulnerability to hypertension can vary as a function of environmental factors, including education level, and that nongenetic pathways may differentially contribute to risk among those with fewer years of education.

Educational attainment, smoking initiation and lifetime nicotine dependence among male Vietnam-era twins

Niaura, R. S., McCaffery, J. M., Papandonatos, G. D., Lyons, M. J., Koenen, K. C., Tsuang, M. T., & Niaura, R. (n.d.).

Publication year

2008

Journal title

Psychological Medicine

Volume

38

Issue

9

Page(s)

1287-1297

10.1017/S0033291707001882

Abstract

Abstract

Background. Smoking initiation and persistence are clearly associated with factors commonly thought to be environmental in origin, including socio-economic status. However, twin models that incorporate gene-environment correlation and gene x environment interaction have not been applied to elucidate the genetic or environmental role that socio-economic status plays in smoking initiation and nicotine dependence. Method. Twin structural equation modelling was used to examine gene-environment correlation and gene x environment interaction of one index of socio-economic status, educational attainment, with smoking initiation and nicotine dependence among 5119 monozygotic and 4295 dizygotic male-male Vietnam-era twins from the Vietnam Era Twin Registry, a national registry of twin pairs who served in the military during the Vietnam era. Results. Educational attainment correlated significantly with smoking initiation (r=-0.27, p

Effect of bupropion on depression symptoms in a smoking cessation clinical trial

Niaura, R. S., Lerman, C., Niaura, R., Collins, B. N., Wileyto, P., Audrain-McGovern, J., Pinto, A., Hawk, L., & Epstein, L. H. (n.d.).

Publication year

2004

Journal title

Psychology of Addictive Behaviors

Volume

18

Issue

4

Page(s)

362-366

10.1037/0893-164X.18.4.362

Abstract

Abstract

Bupropion is an antidepressant shown to be efficacious for smoking cessation. This study examined the short- and long-term effects of bupropion (300 mg/day for 10 weeks) versus placebo on depression symptoms among 497 smokers attempting to quit in a randomized trial of bupropion plus behavioral counseling. Depression symptoms were assessed via the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (L. Radloff, 1977) at baseline, end of treatment, and at 6-month follow-up. Baseline nicotine dependence level was assessed with the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (T. F. Heatherton, L. T. Kozlowski, R. C. Frecker, & K. O. Fagerström, 1991). A regression model of depression symptoms demonstrated a significant interaction between nicotine dependence and treatment for the treatment phase and during follow-up. Depression symptoms did not mediate the effects of bupropion on abstinence at either time point. Highly nicotine-dependent smokers who receive bupropion are more likely to experience a decrease in depressive symptoms during active treatment but are also more likely to experience a rebound in depressive symptoms when bupropion is discontinued.

Effect of different cue stimulus delivery channels on craving reactivity : Comparing in vivo and video cues in regular cigarette smokers

Shadel, W. G., Niaura, R. S., & Abrams, D. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

2001

Journal title

Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry

Volume

32

Issue

4

Page(s)

203-209

10.1016/S0005-7916(01)00035-0

Abstract

Abstract

Exposure to smoking cues reliably produces increases in craving compared to exposure to appropriately matched neutral cues. While different types of stimuli have been used as cue materials in such studies, the channel through which cues are delivered is not often varied in a systematic fashion in smoking research. This study compared the effect of exposure to active in vivo cues compared to two cues, matched for content and time, delivered via videotape on self-reported smoking craving. Results revealed that active in vivo cues produced the highest craving ratings, followed next by active video cues, and last by neutral video cues. These results suggest that craving is sensitive to stimulus delivery channel and that video presentation of smoking cues is a viable manipulation option in cue reactivity studies.

Effect of negative emotions on frequency of coronary heart disease (The Normative Aging Study)

Todaro, J. F., Shen, B. J., Niaura, R. S., Spiro, A., & Ward, K. D. (n.d.).

Publication year

2003

Journal title

American Journal of Cardiology

Volume

92

Issue

8

Page(s)

901-906

10.1016/S0002-9149(03)00967-6

Abstract

Abstract

Negative emotions, such as depression and anxiety, have been associated with the development of coronary heart disease (CHD). In multivariate models, negative emotions have predicted CHD outcomes, such as nonfatal myocardial infarction and CHD mortality. Few studies, however, have investigated this relation while controlling for variables associated with the metabolic syndrome or those indicative of sympathetic nervous system activity. We prospectively examined the relation between negative emotions and incident CHD in older men (mean 60.3 ± 7.9 years) participating in the Normative Aging Study (NAS). Four hundred ninety-eight men who completed the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) and who participated in a subsequent laboratory assessment were included in the study. All men were not on medication and free of diagnosed CHD and diabetes. Negative emotions were measured by the MMPI Welsh A scale, which is comprised of 39 items measuring symptoms of depression and anxiety. Negative emotion score, sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviors, components of the metabolic syndrome, and stress hormones were used to predict incident CHD over a 3-year follow-up period. During follow-up, 45 CHD events were observed. In unadjusted logistic regression analyses, negative emotions significantly predicted the incidence of CHD (odds ratio [OR] 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01 to 1.10, p = 0.02). After adjusting for potential covariates, negative emotions continued to predict the incidence of CHD (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.12, p = 0.02) A linear, dose-response relation was observed (chi-square 10.8, degree of freedom 2, p = 0.005): participants who had the highest level of negative emotions experienced the greatest incidence of CHD.

Effects of abstinence in adolescent tobacco smokers : Withdrawal symptoms, urge, affect, and cue reactivity

Bidwell, L. C., Leventhal, A. M., Tidey, J. W., Brazil, L., Niaura, R. S., & Colby, S. M. (n.d.).

Publication year

2013

Journal title

Nicotine and Tobacco Research

Volume

15

Issue

2

Page(s)

457-464

10.1093/ntr/nts155

Abstract

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate abstinence effects in adolescent daily smokers by examining the effects of experimentally manipulated acute smoking abstinence on measures including: (a) withdrawal symptoms, (b) reactive irritability, (c) smoking urges, (d) affect, and (e) responses to smoking cues. Methods: Participants (ages 13-19, 74 daily smokers, and 22 nonsmokers) completed baseline questionnaires and laboratory assessments (Session 1) and returned 1-4 days later to repeat the laboratory assessments (Session 2); half of the smokers were randomly assigned to overnight tobacco abstinence preceding Session 2. Results: During Session 2, abstinent smokers reported significantly greater increases in withdrawal symptoms, smoking urges, and negative affect compared with smokers who did not abstain and compared with nonsmokers. Although there was not a significant effect of abstinence on differential reactivity to smoking versus neutral cues, abstinence did result in significantly increased peak provoked urges and negative effect. There was not a significant effect of abstinence on positive affect or reactive irritability,. Conclusions: Our results suggest that adolescents experience increases in withdrawal symptoms, smoking urges (un-cued and peak provoked), and negative affect (un-cued and peak provoked) after acute smoking abstinence, but do not experience the increases in reactive irritability or decreases in positive affect that have been shown in adult smokers. Overall findings support the withdrawal relief and negative reinforcement models of smoking maintenance in adolescents and point to withdrawal, urge, and negative affect as important targets for treatment.

Effects of acute nicotine abstinence on cue-elicited ventral striatum/nucleus accumbens activation in female cigarette smokers : A functional magnetic resonance imaging study

David, S. P., Munafò, M. R., Johansen-Berg, H., MacKillop, J., Sweet, L. H., Cohen, R. A., Niaura, R. S., Rogers, R. D., Matthews, P. M., & Walton, R. T. (n.d.).

Publication year

2007

Journal title

Brain Imaging and Behavior

Volume

1

Issue

3-4

Page(s)

43-57

10.1007/s11682-007-9004-1

Abstract

Abstract

To achieve greater understanding of the brain mechanisms underlying nicotine craving in female smokers, we examined the influence of nicotine non-abstinence vs. acute nicotine abstinence on cue-elicited activation of the ventral striatum. Eight female smokers underwent an event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) paradigm presenting randomized sequences of smoking-related and non-smoking related pictures. Participants were asked to indicate by a key press the gender of individuals in smoking-related and non-smoking related pictures (gender discrimination task), to maintain and evaluate attention to the pictures. There was a significant effect of smoking condition on reaction times (RT) for a gender discrimination task intended to assess and maintain attention to the photographs-suggesting a deprivation effect of acute nicotine abstinence and a statistical trend indicating greater RTs for smoking cues than neutral cues. BOLD contrast (smoking vs. non-smoking cues) was greater in the non-abstinent vs. acutely abstinent conditions in the ventral striatum including the nucleus accumbens (VS/NAc). Moreover, a significant positive correlation was observed between baseline cigarette craving prior to scanning and VS/NAc activation (r = 0.84, p = 0.009), but only in the non-abstinent condition. These results may either be explained by ceiling effects of nicotine withdrawal in the abstinent condition or, may indicate reduced relative activation (smoking vs. neutral contrast) in the VS/NAc in the abstinent vs. non-abstinent conditions in this group of female smokers.