Switching from traditional cigarettes to e-cigarettes for smokers on methadone

Methadone-Maintained Smokers Switching to E-Cigarettes

['FUNDING_R01'] · BUTLER HOSPITAL (PROVIDENCE, RI) · NIH-10640206

This study is looking at whether switching from regular cigarettes to e-cigarettes can help people who are on methadone for opioid use disorder to quit smoking and improve their health over four years.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorBUTLER HOSPITAL (PROVIDENCE, RI) (nih funded)
Locations1 site (PROVIDENCE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10640206 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the potential benefits and risks of using e-cigarettes as a harm-reduction strategy for smokers who are maintained on methadone due to opioid use disorder. The study will focus on individuals who are struggling to quit smoking combustible cigarettes, which pose significant health risks. Participants will be monitored for changes in behavior and health biomarkers as they transition from traditional cigarettes to e-cigarettes over a four-year period. The goal is to better understand how e-cigarettes may help reduce smoking-related health issues in this vulnerable population.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with opioid use disorder who are currently enrolled in methadone maintenance programs and are heavy smokers.

Not a fit: Patients who are not currently using methadone or who do not smoke combustible cigarettes may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

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

How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing research into e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool, this specific approach focusing on methadone-maintained smokers is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

PROVIDENCE, 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.