Effect of Varenicline on Reactivity to Smoking and Drinking Cues
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2010-01-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Alcohol and nicotine dependence are often co-morbid, with 85% of alcoholics also smoking.
However, very little research has been conducted into the nature of this co-occurrence. Thus,
the main aim of this study is to assess differences in alcohol and tobacco consumption and
cue-induced craving in treatment-seeking smokers after two weeks treatment of varenicline.
Hypotheses
1. Two weeks of varenicline treatment will significantly decrease cue-induced tobacco
craving compared to placebo (Due to the actions of varenicline on alpha-4-beta-2
receptors and its downstream effect on dopamine release).
2. Varenicline will decrease cue-induced alcohol craving compared to placebo.
3. The impact of Varenicline on cue-induced alcohol craving will be greater in heavy
drinkers compared to social drinkers.