NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Improving smoking cessation for individuals with psychiatric conditions using digital tools

Official title: Increasing the population-level impact of a digital therapeutic for smokers with psychiatric illness

Funded at Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NIH-11081032 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how to make a helpful online program better for people with serious mental health issues who want to quit smoking, so it can reach more folks who need it and really make a difference in their lives.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWake Forest University Health Sciences
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Winston-Salem, United States)
Project startApril 1, 2024
Project endMarch 31, 2027
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$132,785
NIH project number5K02DA054304-04
Project IDNIH-11081032 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with serious mental illness who smoke and are seeking help to quit.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not smoke or those without psychiatric conditions may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research aims to enhance the effectiveness of a digital therapeutic designed to help smokers with serious mental illness quit smoking. It focuses on understanding how to implement this therapeutic in real-world settings, ensuring that it reaches those who need it most. The approach includes user-centered design and clinical trials to evaluate the therapeutic's efficacy, while also addressing barriers to access and treatment adoption among diverse populations. The goal is to create a more significant population-level impact on smoking cessation among individuals with psychiatric illnesses.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved smoking cessation rates among individuals with psychiatric conditions, enhancing their overall health and quality of life.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using digital therapeutics for smoking cessation, particularly among specific populations, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

  • Wake Forest University Health Sciences
    Winston-Salem, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Vilardaga, Roger — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
  • Study coordinator: Vilardaga, Roger

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Evaluating a combined approach to manage chronic pain

    This study is looking at whether taking duloxetine along with online therapy can help people with chronic pain feel better, and it includes some support to help you stick with the therapy; you'll be randomly placed in one of three groups to see which approach works best over six months.

    NIH research Wake Forest University Health Sciences · Winston-Salem, United States · NIH-9870024

  • Drd3 gene variants and cocaine seeking in rats

    A study in rats will map different Drd3 gene variants to how cocaine-seeking and taking behavior is influenced, aiming to uncover targets for treating cocaine use disorder.

    NIH research Wake Forest University Health Sciences · Winston-Salem, United States · NIH-11619073

  • Intensive dental care during cancer follow-up to protect teeth after head and neck radiation

    A program delivered in oncology clinics to provide fluoride varnish and dental follow-up aims to reduce tooth decay and improve oral health and quality of life for head and neck cancer patients after radiation therapy.

    NIH research Wake Forest University Health Sciences · Winston-Salem, United States · NIH-11575645

  • Wake Forest NCORP Cancer Center Research Base

    A patient-focused opportunity to advance real-world cancer care through community-based studies that address how cancer and its treatments affect daily life and well-being.

    NIH research Wake Forest University Health Sciences · Winston-Salem, United States · NIH-11543565

  • Hybrid approach to peer-supported mood and incentive program to reduce HIV risk among women who inject drugs

    A pilot program tests a combined peer-supported mood-boosting approach with contingency management to help stimulant-using women who inject drugs reduce HIV risk.

    NIH research Wake Forest University Health Sciences · Winston-Salem, United States · NIH-11537936

  • Coordinating Center for the MoTrPAC project

    A large nationwide effort seeks to map how physical activity changes the body at the molecular level, with a coordinating center that handles data, biospecimens, and collaboration across sites.

    NIH research Wake Forest University Health Sciences · Winston-Salem, United States · NIH-11537917

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.