Medical University of South Carolina
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 includes 14 weekly study visits and 2 follow-up study visits (in-person, but virtual study visits are possible). Participants will also complete a short daily diary on their phones each day for the first twelve weeks. To qualify, participants (ages 21+) must be enrolled in an outpatient substance use disorder (SUD) treatment program. The study is being done in four regions across South Carolina: Charleston, Pickens/Easley, Conway, and Greenville.
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…
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…
Participants will receive twelve weeks of e-cigarette products with instructions to switch completely at switch date
Participants will receive twelve weeks of FDA approved medication, combination NRT, with instructions to quit smoking cigarettes at quit date
Participants will recieve brief weekly counseling to support their quit or switch attempt from cigarettes.