This study tests whether stopping smoking by gradually cutting down first is more or less successful than stopping abruptly. We hypothesize that stopping by gradually cutting down first will produce more abstinence than stopping abruptly.
For cigarette smokers who intend to stop smoking, most treatment guidelines recommend abrupt cessation. There is evidence from some small studies that gradually reducing the number of cigarettes per day smoked may increase success in quitting. In this study, we will randomize smokers who want to quit smoking in the next 30 days to one of three groups: gradual reduction, abrupt cessation, and minimal intervention.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
750
Counseling of smokers to undergo gradual reduction in cigarettes per day prior to quit date. This includes 5 counseling calls: 3 calls focused on reduction prior to the quit date, 1 call two days prior to the quit date to discuss common strategies for preparing to quit, and 1 call two days after the quit date to discuss relapse prevention. Telephone counseling also discusses the proper use of nicotine lozenges during reduction and after the quit date.
Counseling of smokers to set a quit date and not change cigarettes per day prior to quit date. This includes 5 counseling calls: 1 to set a quit date, 1 two days prior to the quit date to discuss common strategies for preparing to quit, and 3 after the quit date to discuss relapse prevention. Telephone counseling also discusses the proper use of nicotine lozenges after the quit date.
University of Vermont Human Behavioral Pharmacology Lab
Burlington, Vermont, United States
Number of Participants With Prolonged Abstinence Through 6 Months Verified by Carbon Monoxide Measurement
Number of participants with self-reported prolonged abstinence from cigarette smoking through 6 months of follow-up, verified by a breath carbon monoxide reading of less than 10 parts per million
Time frame: 6 months
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Minimal counseling to mimic intervention at a primary care office. This includes 2 counseling calls: 1 to set a quit date and 1 two days after the quit date to discuss relapse prevention. Telephone counseling also discusses the proper use of nicotine lozenges after the quit date.
2 mg lozenges for participants usually smoke their first cigarette more than 30 minutes after awaking. 4 mg lozenge for participants who usually smoke their first cigarette less than 30 minutes after awaking. Replace each forgone cigarette during reduction with one lozenge. Use additional lozenges to combat cravings to smoke.
2 mg lozenges for participants usually smoke their first cigarette more than 30 minutes after awaking. 4 mg lozenge for participants who usually smoke their first cigarette less than 30 minutes after awaking. Replace each forgone cigarette while abstinent with one lozenge. Use additional lozenges to combat cravings to smoke.