fMRI Study for Smokers

STUDY BASICS

Are you a cigarette smoker aged 18-45? You may be able to participate in a research study to help understand the habits and cravings of smokers. The study involves 2 visits and an fMRI scan. Participants must be right-handed and willing to not smoke for 6 hours before the 2nd study visit. Compensation and parking provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

Quitting smoking reduces the risk of cancer and other health problems. However, quitting smoking can be very difficult, and up to one-third of smokers have no desire to quit. The purpose of this study is to learn more about smokers’ habits, cigarette cravings, and how smells are processed and stored in the brain. Researchers hope their findings may lead to new ways to control cigarette cravings.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

• Ages 18-45
• Daily smoker
• Able to read and speak English fluently
• Right-handed
• Willing and able to have an MRI scan (no metal in the body and not claustrophobic)

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

During an initial 1.5 hour visit, participants will be asked to answer questions about smoking habits, provide a carbon monoxide sample by breathing into a tester, and take a test to determine smelling ability. Qualified participants will be asked to return for a second visit which could last up to 1 hour. Participants will be asked to not smoke for 6 hours before their visit. Procedures at visit 2 will include completing questionnaires, providing a carbon monoxide sample, and completing an fMRI (functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan. An fMRI is non-invasive and does not involve radiation. While in the fMRI scanner, participants will rate different images and smells.