Craving: A problematic concept in smoking research

In this paper the utility of the concept of craving in the explanation of s moking behaviour both in abstinence and in the resumption of smoking is exp lored. The experience of craving is suggested to be one of the foremost sym ptoms of withdrawal, and a major cause of relapse, and yet there is no stan dardised tool for measuring craving, neither has any agreement ever been re ached concerning the precise meaning of the term. Estimates of the prevalen ce of craving vary widely. Predictions of craving during abstinence have fo cused on pre-cessation smoking habits, but evidence implies that high pre-c essation craving leads to high craving during abstinence, and has also sugg ested that craving can be maintained by smoking. Pharmacological aids used to relieve craving in smoking cessation have not had convincing results, an d psychological and motivational aspects and expectancies may also play a p art in generating craving. Questions relating to the concept of craving in need of attention in research are highlighted and future directions for res earch recommended.