Training to manage negative feelings to help quit smoking

Early Withdrawal Exposure and Negative Affect Withdrawal (NAW) Regulation Training for Smoking Cessation

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · NIH-10653116

This study is testing a new way to help adult smokers who want to quit by teaching them how to handle tough feelings like anger and anxiety that can make it hard to stay smoke-free, and it’s looking for 400 people who smoke at least five cigarettes a day to join in.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BIRMINGHAM, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10653116 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates a new approach to help smokers quit by focusing on managing negative feelings that often lead to relapse, such as anger and anxiety. Participants will receive training on how to regulate these negative emotions while also being exposed to situations that trigger withdrawal symptoms. The study will involve 400 adult smokers who smoke at least five cigarettes a day and are motivated to quit. By using a randomized design, the research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of this combined intervention in improving smoking cessation outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adult smokers aged 21 and older who smoke at least five cigarettes per day and are committed to quitting.

Not a fit: Patients who do not smoke or those who are not interested in quitting smoking may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the chances of smokers quitting by providing them with tools to manage negative emotions associated with withdrawal.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that addressing emotional regulation can enhance smoking cessation efforts, suggesting that this approach may be effective.

Where this research is happening

BIRMINGHAM, 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.