Efficacy and Working Mechanisms of a Go/No-Go Task-Based Inhibition Training in Smoking: A Randomized-Controlled Trial

Objective: Deficits in inhibitory control are an important factor in tobacco dependence. Inhibitory control training, having individuals repeatedly withhold prepotent responses to general or substance-related stimuli, has been shown as a promising intervention to reduce problematic substance use. Method: This preregistered randomized-controlled trial tested the efficacy of Go/No-Go task-based inhibitory control training on tobacco use and craving in adult individuals who smoke. Furthermore, the study aimed to better understand potential working mechanisms. Participants (N=122) were randomized to 28 sessions of smoking-specific Go/No-Go, general Go/No-Go, Sham training, or a Waitlist control condition. Multilevel models estimated group×time interactions on clinical outcomes (i.e., daily cigarettes, carbon monoxide levels, tobacco dependence, and craving) at post-intervention and 3-month follow-up. Results: Go/No-Go training significantly reduced tobacco dependence and craving post-intervention compared to both control conditions. No effects were found on daily cigarette consumption or carbon monoxide levels, and the significant differences were no longer evident at the 3-month follow-up. No working mechanism for clinical outcome improvements was identified. Conclusions: In line with previous research, the smoking-specific Go/No-Go training did not outperform the general Go/No-Go training. In light of the evidence indicating the efficacy of Go/No-Go training in smoking, future research should address its long-term effects, and underlying working mechanisms, and investigate its efficacy as an add-on in smoking cessation.