Using very low nicotine cigarettes to help people with opioid use disorder and chronic pain quit smoking
Targeting Reinforcement Mechanisms for Smoking Cessation Using Very Low Nicotine Content Cigarettes in Individuals with Opioid Use Disorder and Chronic Pain
This study is looking at whether switching to very low nicotine cigarettes can help people with opioid use disorder and chronic pain quit smoking, by tracking their cravings and smoking habits over four weeks to see how it affects their pain and withdrawal symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11057400 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how switching to very low nicotine content (VLNC) cigarettes can help individuals with opioid use disorder and chronic pain quit smoking. It aims to understand the effects of VLNCs compared to regular nicotine cigarettes on smoking behavior, pain levels, cravings, and withdrawal symptoms. Participants will engage in ecological momentary assessments to track their smoking urges and behaviors in real-time over a period of four weeks. The study seeks to disrupt the reinforcement cycles that make quitting smoking particularly challenging for this population.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who smoke and are receiving buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder while also experiencing chronic pain.
Not a fit: Patients who do not smoke or are not undergoing treatment for opioid use disorder may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new approach to help individuals with opioid use disorder and chronic pain successfully quit smoking.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using low nicotine cigarettes for smoking cessation, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sweitzer, Maggie M — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Sweitzer, Maggie M
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.