Childhood trauma may rewire brain to crave nicotine

NCT ID NCT05665465

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Duke University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looks at how difficult childhood experiences might change brain function and make people more likely to start smoking. Researchers will give a small dose of nicotine or a placebo to 150 nonsmoking young adults aged 18-21, then use brain scans and questionnaires to measure their reactions. The goal is to understand the link between childhood adversity and nicotine addiction risk.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Nicotine nasal spray (Nicotrol) and placebo nasal spray
What this could lead to: If successful, this study could help explain why some childhood experiences increase the risk of smoking, potentially guiding future prevention efforts.
What could go wrong: This is an early-phase study with only 150 participants, so findings may not apply broadly. It measures brain activity and subjective effects, not long-term smoking behavior.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

nicotine dependence

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES NICOTINE DEPENDENCE, CIGARETTES

Contacts and locations

Locations

Duke University Medical Center
RECRUITING

Durham, North Carolina, 27710, United States

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