Relative effects of nicotine and coffee on cigarette smoking

The relative influence of nicotine and coffee on cigarette consumption was examined in a laboratory setting. During the first half hour of the experimental session, subjects were either preloaded with two cigarettes or nicotine deprived. During the subsequent hour, subjects were given two cups of either coffee or water, and number of cigarettes smoked during this period was assessed. Results showed a significant preload effect, with non-preloaded subjects smoking an average of .88 cigarettes per hour more than preloaded subjects. A nonsignificant increase in smoking was found for the coffee condition. The implications of these findings for relative effects of pharmacological and environmental events on smoking are discussed.