Helping smokers with mental illness switch from cigarettes to e-cigarettes

Harm Reduction for Smokers with Mental Illness: RCT of E-cigarette Provision with or without Behavioral Support to Boost Switching

['FUNDING_R01'] · DARTMOUTH-HITCHCOCK CLINIC · NIH-11087526

This study is looking at whether giving e-cigarettes, with or without extra support, can help people with mental health issues cut down on their smoking, making it easier for them to find a safer option than regular cigarettes.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorDARTMOUTH-HITCHCOCK CLINIC (nih funded)
Locations1 site (LEBANON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11087526 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how providing e-cigarettes, with or without behavioral support, can help smokers with mental illness reduce their cigarette use. The study aims to understand the effectiveness of e-cigarettes as a harm reduction strategy, particularly for individuals who may struggle with traditional smoking cessation methods. Participants will be monitored for changes in their smoking behavior and overall health outcomes over the course of the study. The approach focuses on offering a less harmful alternative to traditional cigarettes, acknowledging that complete abstinence may not be feasible for everyone.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who have a mental illness and currently smoke cigarettes.

Not a fit: Patients who do not smoke or those who are not diagnosed with a mental illness may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer alternative for smokers with mental illness, potentially reducing their health risks associated with smoking.

How similar studies have performed: Previous pilot studies have shown promising results in reducing cigarette use among smokers with mental illness using e-cigarettes, indicating that this approach may be effective.

Where this research is happening

LEBANON, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.