6.8 Tobacco 'chippers'
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The term 'chippers' refers to non-dependent users of a drug which is generally associated with addiction. The term was first used in relation to opiate users in the 1970s,57 and applied to nicotine research by Shiffman in 1989.58
Tobacco chippers are individuals who are able to smoke regularly, maintain low levels of consumption, and manage abstinence with little difficulty. Only a very small proportion of smokers—perhaps about 5%—are thought to fit into this category.2 Chippers inhale tobacco smoke in the same way as regular smokers, and their bodies metabolise nicotine in similar ways. However, unlike most smokers, chippers do not experience withdrawal symptoms if they do without tobacco.58
It is thought that individuals who are able to use tobacco products in this way may be less physiologically sensitive to the effects of nicotine.58 For example, research has suggested that chippers' initial responses to the effects of nicotine, including pleasurable or unpleasant sensations and dizziness, may be less extreme than those experienced by individuals who progress to tobacco dependence.2, 58 Chippers are also less likely to smoke as a means of reducing stress or improving mood, to have fewer relatives who are smokers, and to have higher levels of education than heavy smokers.2, 58 Chippers tend to smoke in situations associated with relaxation, eating and drinking, but, like heavy smokers, chippers smoke almost half of their cigarettes when alone. This undermines the concept that chippers may be considered 'social smokers.' Chippers' smoking behaviour is strongly correlated with certain situational stimuli, whereas for heavy smokers, the influence of situation has faded and dependency has come to dictate smoking behaviour.59 Shiffman et al observe that chippers' smoking behaviour is most like that exhibited in the early phases of an established smoker's career, the difference being that chippers fail to progress to addicted smoking patterns, unlike the vast majority of smokers.59
Chippers tend to come later to smoking, with about 80% taking it up after they have left high school.60 Chippers may be protected from becoming addicted smokers by a combination of environmental, social and genetic factors.
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