Using electronic cigarettes to help people with opioid use disorder reduce smoking

Electronic Cigarettes as a Harm Reduction Strategy Among People with Opioid Use Disorder on Buprenorphine

NIH-funded research Clemson University · NIH-11113411

This study is looking at how electronic cigarettes might help people with opioid use disorder, who are being treated with buprenorphine, to cut down on regular cigarette smoking, and it aims to create helpful guidelines for using e-cigarettes in clinics.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionClemson University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Clemson, United States)
Project IDNIH-11113411 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how electronic cigarettes can serve as a harm reduction tool for individuals with opioid use disorder who are being treated with buprenorphine. The project aims to develop and implement effective protocols for using electronic cigarettes in clinical settings to help reduce the reliance on combustible cigarettes. The research will involve a multidisciplinary mentorship team and will utilize various methods, including qualitative and quantitative assessments, to evaluate the impact of electronic cigarettes on smoking behaviors among this population.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are currently undergoing treatment for opioid use disorder with buprenorphine and are also smokers.

Not a fit: Patients who do not smoke or are not undergoing treatment for opioid use disorder may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer alternative for individuals with opioid use disorder to reduce their smoking habits and improve their overall health.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that electronic cigarettes can help reduce smoking rates in the general population, suggesting potential for similar success in this specific group.

Where this research is happening

Clemson, 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.
Conditions addictive disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.