The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are a significant predictor of various physical and psychological problems in adulthood. This secondary analysis of a randomized smoking cessation trial examined the association between ACEs and the severity of nicotine withdrawal during smoking cessation. ACEs were assessed at baseline using a 10-item questionnaire, while nicotine withdrawal symptoms were measured weekly with the Minnesota Nicotine Withdrawal Scale (MNWS). No overall association was found between ACEs and MNWS craving scores across the entire sample. However, significant associations were observed when stratifying by smoking reduction versus cessation. Among those who reduced smoking, each additional ACE was linked to a 3% higher MNWS craving score. In contrast, among those who quit smoking, each additional ACE was associated with an 8% lower craving score. These findings suggest that resilience factors may influence the relationship between ACEs and tobacco dependence, warranting further investigation to improve cessation outcomes.