Acute Effects of Nicotine on Non-Drug-Related Reward in Smokers and Non-Smokers

Nicotinic enhancement of sensory rewards was demonstrated in non-smokers, but not in everyday smokers, suggesting it is unlikely to be related to nicotine dependence or learned associations between nicotine and pleasure. The absence of this effect in smokers suggests that higher levels of nicotine than those obtained from 2 mg oral sprays may be required to achieve enhancement of reward in people who regularly consume nicotine. For nicotine replacement (including e-cigarettes) to become more effective at reducing anhedonia during quit attempts, smokers may require nicotine doses that more closely replicate levels achieved through smoking.