The MAN Experiment
This report details the process and results of the Marlboro Addiction Neuroscience (MAN) experiment performed by the Fumo Transfigurator Institute (FTI).
Observation
Can addiction be formed if the subject believes they cannot become addicted?
Hypothesis
If the subject thinks they cannot become addicted to nicotine, they will not become addicted to nicotine.
Experiment
The subject will take a placebo drug each day over a hundred days. They will be placed on a strict smoking schedule over the hundred days, as follows:
Evaluation will be done to determine whether the subject is addicted. Subject is required to log with video evidence that they have smoked the required daily limit. The subject can smoke anytime during the day, but must smoke right after waking up and right before going to bed.
Log
Day 0
We met with the subject (male, 27yo). We went over the expectations of the experiment and made sure he was aware of the risks. Communication is as follows:
FTI: āHave you ever smoked before?ā
Subject: āNo.ā
FTI: āDo your parents smoke?ā
Subject: āNo.ā
FTI: āDo you have siblings that smoke?ā
Subject: āNo.ā
FTI: āDo you have friends that smoke?ā
Subject: āJust one.ā
FTI: āWhat is their name?ā
Subject: āHis name is -redacted-.ā (Friend will be talked about further in the report. From this point forward, friendās name will be referred to as Alpha.)
FTI: āHow long have you known Alpha?ā
Subject: āWe were friends in high school, so about 12 years. We have stayed in touch.ā
FTI: āHow often do you see Alpha?ā
Subject: āNot often. Maybe once a month. Since he smokes and I donāt, I donāt invite him over a lot. I donāt really care for the smell. He also drinks a bit and Iām not much of a drinker.ā
FTI: āYou are aware of the expectations of the experiment?ā
Subject: āYes.ā
FTI: āOur drug helps prevent addiction. Do you want to be a smoker?ā
Subject: āNo.ā
FTI: āDo you believe you will become an addicted smoker?ā
Subject: āNo. Not with your drug and my willpower.ā
The subject began the experiment the following day. Next check in
Note: Subject was paid $1,000 per week for their willingness to participate in our experiment.
Day 11
We met with the subject after the first 10 days. We went over the daily log videos. We noted that the first three days included a lot of coughing and resistance. The subject did not want to smoke them. The remaining days appeared to be easier for the subject, but the subject said he still did not want to smoke.
We noted the subject had grown a beard. We asked the subject if it was related to the smoking. Subject stated: āSmoking first thing in the morning has interrupted my morning routine.ā
Prior to our meeting, the subject had smoked just one cigarette. We reminded them that he had to now smoke four a day. On a scale of 1 to 10 for addiction, the subject rated a 1. He didnāt feel like he wanted to or needed to smoke.
Day 21
We met with the subject after another 10 days of smoking 4 cigarettes a day. We went over the daily video logs and verified the subject complied with the requirements. We noted the subject rarely coughed. The subject schedule was smoking two before work and the remaining two in the evening. We noted that the subject had gained 5.6 pounds since the start of the experiment. His comment in regards to the weight gain: āI found it is easier to smoke if Iām having a beer in the evening. Also, I guess I have been splurging a little more with junk food. Guess I justify a bad habit with another. Like, whatās the point?ā
The subject had already smoked two prior to the meeting and was aware he had to smoke four more today to meet the expectations. On a scale of 1 to 10 for addiction, the subject still rated a 1.
Day 31
We met with the subject after 10 days of smoking 6 cigarettes a day. We went over the video logs. We identified that the subject appeared to enjoy his smoke breaks at work and provided a sense of relief. The subject stated when we pointed this out āI guess I like to be able to step outside and the rest of the world kind of stops.ā
We noted that the subject had cut his hair shorter. He stated that he was receiving comments at work about him smelling like smoke. He didnāt want them to know that he is participating in this experiment, so he thought shorter hair would prevent this as there would be less hair for the smoke to stick to.
The subject has also gained a total of 10.1 pounds since the start of the experiment. He has increased his beer and junk food intake.
The subject had already smoked 4 cigarettes prior to our meeting. He said he knows that he is expected to smoke another 4 today. The subject rated a 2 out of 10 in regards to addiction. We asked if the subject would like to quit the experiment and he said he still wants to āstick through itā.
Day 41
We met with the subject after smoking 8 cigarettes a day over the last 10 days. We observed the video logs and noticed the subject was smoking a few with someone else. This individual was his friend Alpha. The subject was spending more time with Alpha. Conversation regarding this change is as follows:
FTI: āWhy have you been spending more time with Alpha?ā
Subject: āOne reason I didnāt hang out with Alpha was to our different lifestyles. Now that I am smoking, spending time is more enjoyable as we both outside for smoking.ā
FTI: āDo you enjoy smoking with Alpha?ā
Subject: āIf Iām being honest, yes. It is like an added connection with our friendship.ā
FTI: āDid you tell him about the experiment?ā
Subject: āYes.ā
FTI: āWhat were his thoughts? Did he think the drug was working?ā
Subject: āHe didnāt think it was, but I believe that it is.ā
The subject had only smoke 2 prior to our meeting but knew he had to smoke 10. He stated: āAlpha is coming over for a few beers later this evening and wanted to save majority of my daily limit today so I can smoke when he smokes.ā
We identified that he refers to his daily smoke expectations as ālimitsā now. When asked if he would smoke more than his set scheduled expectations if allowed, he said maybe. We ensured him to stick to the schedule.
Subjectās beard has grown larger.
Out of a scale of 10, he stated he was still at a 2. We are not sure if he is being honest or is in denial.
Day 51
We met with the subject. He smelled like cigarette smoke. He said he didnāt notice the smell anymore on him. He even said he was starting to not care anymore if he smelled like a smoker. The subject even said he started smoking inside his house for convenience. The subject said he quit his job as he didnāt like having to wait for smoke breaks at work. His friend Alpha is getting him a job at his road construction company. The subject has been spending most evening drinking and smoking with Alpha. We asked the subject the following questions:
FTI: āDo you see yourself as a smoker?ā
Subject: āI guess. I am planning on quitting once this experiment is over.ā
FTI: āHave you enjoyed smoking?ā
Subject: āHonestly, yes. I see the appeal.ā
FTI: āDo you think the drug is working?ā
Subject: āYes. I can quit anytime.ā
FTI: āDo you want to quit now?ā
Subject: āNo. I want to finish the experiment.ā
We asked the subject if we could call his friend Alpha. He agreed. Our conversation went as follows:
FTI: āGood afternoon, Alpha. This is FTI - we are the ones conducting the experiment on your friend.ā
Alpha: āHi there.ā
FTI: āDo you think your friend is addicted to smoking?ā
Alpha: āYeah, most definitely.ā
FTI: āWhat makes you say that?ā
Alpha: āHe always suggests we take a smoke break. He lights up whenever he wants or needs to.ā
FTI: āOur drug prevents addiction though.ā
Alpha: āWell, your drug donāt work.ā
FTI: āWhen the experiment is over, will you support your friend on quitting?ā
Alpha: āProbably not. The manās a smoker. I donāt see him quitting anytime soon.ā
We asked the subject what he thought about his friendās answers. He had no comment.
The subject is starting 14 cigarettes a day. When reminded of this, the subject said āSounds good. Iām already halfway through for the day.ā
The subject had gained additional weight and has shaven his head. He said his friend Alpha suggested it.
Day 61
The subject appeared hungover. He said he had a late night with the co-workers, including Alpha. He admitted that he smoked more than his ālimitā. We told him he had to stick to the set schedule and he was displeased, but said he would try his best.
The subject had gained more weight from his drinking. He said he enjoys the ātaste of a cold beer and a Red.ā
The meeting was short. He acted like he was in a rush. As soon as we dismissed him, we watched him light up a cigarette when exiting our facility.
Day 71
The subject initially did not appear for the meeting. When called, he said he didnāt see the point anymore. He knew he wasnāt addicted, but didnāt need to prove it. He reminded us he could quit anytime. We reminded him of the payment, but only agreed to come in if we supplied him with the cigarettes he would need for the next 10 days.
The subject came in and grabbed his 8 packs of Marlboro Reds.
The subject smelled of smoke and his voice was starting to sound raspy. He coughed occasionally. We asked him why he continued to grow out the beard. He said he can sometimes smell the smoke on it and that he likes it.
Day 81
The subject told us that he thought the drug was still working, but wondered if FTI would be interested in a longer study to really prove the effectiveness of the drug. We said that the 100 days will be more than enough data. The subject appeared disappointed and said, āOh - guess it is just 20 more days of this then.ā
We asked him how addicted did he think he was. He thought about it for a while until he said ā5 out of 10, but I think I can still quit.ā
The scientists conducting the experiment discussed after the subject left whether it was moral and ethical to continue on. We discussed whether the subject should be given the option to quit before he became even more addicted. Our lead scientist stated, āTo be honest, it is probably already too late. At the end of the experiment, we will give him resources to quit.ā
Day 91
We showed the subject a photo of himself at the start of the experiment. We asked him what advice he would give himself at the start of the experiment.
Subject: āDo it man - the drug works and you get to try smoking for 100 days.ā
We asked the subject if he truly believe the drug worked. He said, āSure. Iāll quit eventually.ā
We asked him if he was ready to quit after the next 10 days. His reply was āI will quit, eventually.ā
Day 101
The subject came in. He still smelled like he was smoking. We asked him if he had smoked today and he said, āYeah - but I kind of forgot the experiment ended.ā
We told the subject the truth and that the drug was a placebo. We expected him to get angry, but he wasnāt. After delivering the news, we asked him to honestly rate how addicted he was. He said ā10 out of 10ā.
We provided him resources to call and offered him nicotine patches to help him quit. He refused both. He said he will probably quit eventually, he he just wasnāt ready. He enjoyed his new life and that he had never felt more free or manly. We asked him how many he had smoked so far today. He stated he had already smoked a whole pack and that he was looking forward to not having a limit anymore. He said he only was friends with Alpha and that his friends disapproved of his new smoking habit.
He said he needed a smoke and left the meeting. We followed him to the parking lot and said we needed one final photo. He stuck his cigarette in his mouth and smiled.
Conclusion
We conclude that a man will become addicted even when he thought he couldnāt. We stand by our research ethically because the subject did not regret starting. He even thanked us for the pleasure.











