The Effects of Aromatherapy on *Bad Habit* Craving on a U.S. Campus: A Small Comparison Study

To evaluate the effect of two inhaled essential oils (black pepper and angelica) on the *bad habits* of students, staff, and faculty on a U.S. college campus.

Results: Both black pepper and angelica reduced the level of *bad habit* and allowed a longer delay before next use of *bad habit*. However, black pepper reduced the level of craving more than did angelica, and angelica allowed for a longer delay than did black pepper.

Conclusion: Aromatherapy maybe useful in *stopping a bad habit* withdrawal. Further studies are warranted.

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Research details

B. Cordell and J. Buckle, November 2013

The Effect of Sensorimotor Replacement of *Bad Habits*

Current treatments for *bad habit* such as replacement therapy or varenicline address the primary reinforcer of *bad habit*, but sensorimotor stimuli (e.g. smell/taste of *bad habit*, inhaling/exhaling, airway sensations, holding) may act as secondary reinforcers and also contribute to *bad habit* reward. Addressing both these aspects of *bad habit* may help to enhance *bad habit* cessation treatment. The aim of this review was to examine whether sensorimotor replacement can help to alleviate craving and aid *bad habit* cessation. Three sensorimotor replacement products were examined: non-nicotine inhalators/aerosols, de-nicotinised cigarettes and electronic cigarettes. The current research suggests that sensorimotor replacement may enhance the efficacy of replacement therapy, but is unlikely to be useful if used alone.

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Research details

D. Przulj, H. McRobbie, and P. Hajek, January 2012

Inhalation of Vapor from Black Pepper Extract Reduces *Bad Habits* Symptoms

In this study we investigated the subjective effects of a *bad habit* substitute delivering a vapor of black pepper essential oil. Forty-eight *bad habit users* participated in a 3-h session conducted after overnight deprivation from *bad habit*. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: one group of *users* puffed on a device that delivered a vapor from essential oil of black pepper; a second group puffed on the device with a mint/menthol cartridge, and a third group used a device containing an empty cartridge. Reported craving for *the bad habit* was significantly reduced in the pepper condition relative to each of the two control conditions. In addition, negative affect and somatic symptoms of anxiety were alleviated in the pepper condition relative to the unflavored placebo. The intensity of sensations in the chest was also significantly higher for the pepper condition. These results support the view that respiratory tract sensations are important in alleviating *bad habit* withdrawal symptoms, Substitutes delivering pepper constituents may prove useful in *bad habit* cessation treatment.

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Research details

J. Rose and F. Behm, July 1993