One point in this exercise frustrates me: The man who sold WINK-TV the e-cigarettes is getting publicity. He blames nicotine for addicting his wife to cigarettes and her death. So he is adament that no-nicotine e-cigs be used to "kick the habit." It's being tested as a smoking cessation device, in conjunction with NRT. Here, we emphasize that e-smoking is an alternative to cigarette smoking, a safe way to continue an addiction too strong for many to break. This trial doesn't recognize that at all.
Might I also suggest that there will be pressure to "make this work." These people are desperate; they've been told this will work. The good doctor knows the power of persuasion, the placebo effect. They could just as well suck a straw while wearing a patch. Plus, they do not want to fail before television cameras, for the whole world to see their "weakness." Frankly, I could make it three weeks and then tell you how tough it was, etc. In three MONTHS, I'd be back on cigarettes. These work precisely because they're a source of needed nicotine.
I see no good coming from this test.
Might I also suggest that there will be pressure to "make this work." These people are desperate; they've been told this will work. The good doctor knows the power of persuasion, the placebo effect. They could just as well suck a straw while wearing a patch. Plus, they do not want to fail before television cameras, for the whole world to see their "weakness." Frankly, I could make it three weeks and then tell you how tough it was, etc. In three MONTHS, I'd be back on cigarettes. These work precisely because they're a source of needed nicotine.
I see no good coming from this test.