Craving among long-abstinent smokers: An Internet survey

INTRODUCTION: This survey estimated the prevalence and correlates of craving among long-abstinent smokers. METHODS: We surveyed 403 former smokers (abstinent 1-10 years) via an Internet consumer sample (www.zoomerang.com). RESULTS: Although the majority (59%) of former smokers reported a desire to smoke in the last year, this desire appeared to be clinically significant in only 11%. Those with significant prolonged craving were more nicotine dependent and appeared to have more mental health problems but did differ from other former smokers on demographics or family history of smoking. DISCUSSION: A minority of smokers appears to continue to struggle with cravings long after cessation. Replications in larger more generalizable surveys are needed. In addition, whether prolonged craving indicates risk for relapse needs to be determined.