E-cigarettes versus nicotine patches and lozenges to help people in substance-use treatment quit smoking

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized interventional trial compares switching completely to e-cigarettes (nicotine vapes) with standard nicotine replacement therapy (patches and lozenges) among adults enrolled in outpatient substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. Participation lasts six months and includes five in-person visits, eleven virtual assessments, and a short daily smartphone diary for the first 12 weeks. Eligible participants are adults 21+ who smoke at least five cigarettes per day, are within 30 days of SUD treatment admission, and have biochemical confirmation of smoking; key exclusions include pregnancy, current frequent ENDS use, contraindications to NRT, or unstable medical/psychiatric conditions. The trial is conducted at several outpatient SUD programs affiliated with the Medical University of South Carolina across South Carolina.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. 21+ years of age,
2. smoke at least 5 cigarettes per day daily or near daily for the past 6 months,
3. be enrolled in outpatient SUD treatment and have an SUD diagnosis (past or current),
4. must submit a breath CO sample of ≥ 7 parts per million at screening and a positive instant-read urinary cotinine test,
5. have had at least one failed smoking quit attempt in their lifetime,
6. have interest in reducing smoking, quitting smoking, or switching to a less harmful product, and
7. if female, agrees to use a form of birth control during the study.

Exclusion criteria:

1. any significant or unstable medical or psychiatric concern that would affect safety,
2. current use of smoking cessation pharmacotherapy for the purposes of quitting smoking,
3. pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to become pregnant,
4. contraindicated for NRT, and
5. currently using an ENDS on 20+ days out of the past 30.

Where it's running

• MUSC Charleston
  Charleston, South Carolina, United States Recruiting
• Shoreline Behavioral Health Services
  Conway, South Carolina, United States Recruiting
• Phoenix Center
  Greenville, South Carolina, United States Recruiting
• Behavioral Health Services of Pickens County
  Pickens, South Carolina, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Ela Williams
• Email: williela@musc.edu
• Phone: (843) 876-2090

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.