Smoking Research Study
Researchers at Legacy Research Institute are conducting a study on how the brain responds to smoking-related images to help improve future smoking cessation tools.
Fast Facts
Smoke at Least 10 Cigarettes a Day
Have Been Smoking For at Least a Year
Compensation
Provided
Conducted in
Portland, OR
Study Background
This study is exploring how smokers’ brains respond to smoking cues using EEG (brain wave) recordings, to inform the development of personalized treatments for quitting smoking.
In this pilot study, researchers at the Legacy Research Institute are using non-invasive EEG technology to measure how consistently the brain reacts to smoking-related images across two different sessions, spaced about one week apart. By identifying how the brain processes these cues, the study aims to build a foundation for neurofeedback-based interventions that can help reduce cravings and support long-term smoking cessation.
Understanding the stability of brain responses to these cues is also important for broader applications, such as improving treatments that rely on individualized brain data. This research could eventually influence how we design interventions for addiction and other health conditions using personalized brain stimulation methods.
Study Background
This study is exploring how smokers’ brains respond to smoking cues using EEG (brain wave) recordings, to inform the development of personalized treatments for quitting smoking.
In this pilot study, researchers at the Legacy Research Institute are using non-invasive EEG technology to measure how consistently the brain reacts to smoking-related images across two different sessions, spaced about one week apart. By identifying how the brain processes these cues, the study aims to build a foundation for neurofeedback-based interventions that can help reduce cravings and support long-term smoking cessation.
Understanding the stability of brain responses to these cues is also important for broader applications, such as improving treatments that rely on individualized brain data. This research could eventually influence how we design interventions for addiction and other health conditions using personalized brain stimulation methods.
Additional Information
The goal of this study is to understand how the brain processes smoking-related cues over time, which may help researchers create more effective, personalized tools to help people quit smoking.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Smoke at least 10 cigarettes a day
- Have been smoking for at least a year
- Ages 18-70
Exclusion Criteria:
- Receiving smoking cessation treatments (e.g., patches, gum, counseling)
- Dependent on alcohol or cannabis
- Neurological conditions (e.g., Alzheimer’s, traumatic brain injury, epilepsy)
- Psychiatric conditions (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder)
- Significant head injury or loss of consciousness that lasted more than 3 minutes
- Currently pregnant
If eligible, you’ll visit the research center twice. Each visit includes a breathalyzer test, some brief questionnaires, and a short EEG session where you’ll view a series of images on a computer screen while wearing a comfortable EEG cap. The total time per session is approximately 1 hour.
You will receive a $25 Amazon gift card after your first visit and a $50 gift card after your second visit.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.