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…