Comparing withdrawal symptoms between vapers and smokers
Official title: A Controlled Evaluation of Abstinence-Induced Withdrawal and Motivation to Vape/Smoke Among Daily ENDS Users vs. Cigarette Smokers
Run by State University of New York at Buffalo · NCT05772845 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is trying to see how withdrawal symptoms differ between people who vape and those who smoke cigarettes to better understand nicotine dependence.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 21 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 370 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | State University of New York at Buffalo Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Buffalo, New York) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 14, 2023 |
| Main results expected | November 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | November 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | March 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05772845 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include individuals who have been daily vapers or smokers for at least six months.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who intend to quit vaping or smoking within the next month may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This research aims to systematically compare the withdrawal experiences of daily vapers using electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and daily smokers of combustible cigarettes. The study will involve 160 established daily vapers, 160 established daily smokers, and 50 dual users, who will undergo two lab visits after a 24-hour abstinence period. Participants will be assessed on various withdrawal facets such as craving, negative affect, and cognitive difficulties using advanced multi-measure methodologies. The goal is to fill critical gaps in understanding nicotine dependence and contribute to the development of effective therapies for tobacco use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment strategies for individuals struggling with nicotine dependence.
How similar studies have gone: While there is extensive literature on withdrawal from combustible cigarettes, this is the first controlled comparison of withdrawal between vapers and smokers, making it a novel approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 6+ months of daily/near-daily nicotine vaping and/or cigarette smoking (to yield 160 vapers, 160 smokers, 50 dual users) * 200+ ng/mL cotinine on a commercially-available quick screen Current Exclusion Criteria: * intention to quit daily/near-daily vaping/smoking in the next month * current (2+ days out of the past 7) use of pipe tobacco, hookah/shisha, smokeless tobacco, dissolvable tobacco, nicotine pouches. For vaping group only, current (2+ days out of past 7) use of cigars, cigarillos, or filtered cigars that are filled with tobacco or a mix of tobacco and marijuana * current use of any smoking cessation medication * current severe substance dependence other than tobacco/nicotine (including cannabis; NIDA Modified ASSIST of 27+) * current (past 2 weeks) suicidal ideation with intent and/or plan * current antipsychotic medications or lifetime history of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder * pregnancy (intake urine screen) Original Exclusion Criteria that have been modified or eliminated: * \>1 use in past month of tobacco/nicotine products other than ENDS and combustible cigarettes (modified 5/19/25 - see current exclusion criteria) * alcohol: AUDIT \> 15 for males and \>13 for females (eliminated 7/25/23) * current major depression (PHQ-9\>11) (eliminated 7/25/23) * suicide risk (answer to question #9 on PHQ-9 is anything other than "Not at all") (modified 11/17/23 - see current exclusion criteria)
Where it's running
-
University at Buffalo
Buffalo, New York, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Larry Hawk, PhD — University at Buffalo
- Study coordinator: Larry Hawk, PhD
- Email: lhawk@buffalo.edu
- Phone: 716-645-0192
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.