Evaluating a Tobacco Harm Reduction Strategy Among Clients Enrolled in Substance Use Disorder Treatment
Medical University of South Carolina
Summary
The purpose of this study is to investigate whether non-cigarette tobacco products, namely e-cigarettes (nicotine vapes), can help people who smoke and are in treatment for substance use disorder quit smoking by switching completely to e-cigarettes as compared to FDA-approved medications, namely nicotine replacement therapy in the form of patches and lozenges. Participation will last 6 months and will include five in-person study visits and eleven virtual assessments. Participants will also complete a short daily diary on their phones each day for the first twelve weeks. To qualify, participants must be within 30 days of SUD treatment program admission. This study is being conducted at three outpatient SUD treatment programs across South Carolina. These sites include: 1) the Center for Drug and Alcohol Problems (CDAP) in Charleston, SC, 2) Behavioral Health Services of Pickens County (BHSPC) in Pickens, SC, and 3) Shoreline Behavioral Health Services in Conway, SC. the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC, Behavioral Health Services in Pickens, SC, and the Medical University of South Carolina in Florence, SC.
Description
Tobacco use rates among those with substance use disorders (SUD) are disproportionately high compared to the general population. While rates of tobacco use continue to decline in the general population, use rates among those with SUD have remained stagnant, with only slight declines noted in recent years. Despite this, clients enrolled in SUD treatment rarely engage in evidence-based tobacco treatment and many do not quit using tobacco during treatment. Continued tobacco use during SUD treatment results in worse substance-related treatment outcomes, as well as premature morbidity and mortality…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 21+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: 1. 21+ years of age, 2. smoke at least 5 cigarettes per day daily or near daily for the past 6 months, 3. be enrolled in outpatient SUD treatment and have an SUD diagnosis (past or current), 4. must submit a breath CO sample of ≥ 7 parts per million at screening and a positive instant-read urinary cotinine test, 5. have had at least one failed smoking quit attempt in their lifetime, 6. have interest in reducing smoking, quitting smoking, or switching to a less harmful product, and 7. if female, agrees to use a form of birth control during the study. Exclusion criteria: 1…
Interventions
- BehavioralSwitching to E-Cigarette
Participants will receive twelve weeks of e-cigarette products with instructions to switch completely at switch date
- DrugQuitting using Medication
Participants will receive twelve weeks of FDA approved medication, combination NRT, with instructions to quit smoking cigarettes at quit date
- BehavioralCounseling
Participants will recieve brief weekly counseling to support their quit or switch attempt from cigarettes.
Locations (4)
- MUSC Charleston, Center for Drug and Alcohol ProblemsCharleston, South Carolina
- Shoreline Behavioral Health ServicesConway, South Carolina
- Phoenix CenterGreenville, South Carolina
- Behavioral Health Services of Pickens CountyPickens, South Carolina