Helping people in substance use treatment reduce tobacco harm
Official title: Evaluating a tobacco harm reduction strategy among clients enrolled in substance use disorder treatment
Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-11192931 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to help people who are getting treatment for substance use disorders quit smoking by encouraging them to switch from regular cigarettes to safer options like e-cigarettes, making it easier for them to improve their health while tackling both issues at the same time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $625,247 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA059969-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11192931 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals currently enrolled in substance use disorder treatment who also smoke cigarettes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not smoke or are not enrolled in substance use disorder treatment may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to effectively reduce tobacco use among individuals undergoing treatment for substance use disorders. It focuses on implementing low-intensity harm reduction strategies that encourage smokers to switch from combustible cigarettes to less harmful alternatives, such as e-cigarettes. The approach aims to improve health outcomes for patients by addressing both their substance use and smoking habits simultaneously. By evaluating the effectiveness of these strategies, the research seeks to enhance the overall treatment experience for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes for patients by reducing tobacco-related illnesses among those in substance use disorder treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that harm reduction strategies can be effective in improving health outcomes for smokers, particularly in populations with high rates of substance use.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcclure, Erin a — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Mcclure, Erin a
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.