Posted on October 8, 2019
This is a study by CAMH, the leading mental health research hospital in Canada. Learn more about what's involved in participating in a study at CAMH Research Connect.
Relapse remains the most persistent and significant problem in smoking cessation treatment. Although the risk of relapse decreases overtime, it never fully disappears. Despite the many treatment options for smoking cessation, up to 90% of smokers who attempt to quit eventually relapse. In order to improve treatment options, we need a better understanding of how our brain changes when we stop smoking for certain periods of time.
Studies have shown that changes in brain dopamine receptors are involved in nicotine dependence and withdrawal. Our group is conducting research to investigate the changes in a dopamine receptor during a period of abstinence from smoking.
We are looking for heavy smokers (10+ cigarettes per day) who are at least 19 years of age who are otherwise healthy. We will take pictures of your brain using Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans to measure dopamine receptor levels.
Over the course of five weeks this study will include:
- A screening assessment
- Abstaining from smoking for the duration of the study (up to 5 weeks)
- 3-4 laboratory visits per week for the duration of the study (20 minutes each)
- 2 PET Scans
- 2-3 MRI Scans
- Blood and urine tests
- Questionnaires
An additional PET Scan/lab session may be requested at 13 weeks.
You will be compensated for your time and inconvenience during participation in this study.
To learn more or ask about joining our study, contact us at 416-535-8501 ext. 31536 or email cigarettes.pet@camh.ca.
You can also find our study details in our CAMH study listing.
CAMH REB number: 050/2018