Using e-cigarettes to help smokers with opioid use disorder reduce smoking

Effectiveness and Impact of Counseling Enhanced With Electronic Cigarettes for Harm Reduction in Smokers With Opioid Use Disorder

Phase 2 Interventional NYU Langone Health · NCT05722561

This study is testing if using e-cigarettes can help people with opioid use disorder who smoke to cut down on their cigarette use more effectively than just getting counseling and nicotine replacement therapy.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment302 (estimated)
Ages21 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorNYU Langone Health Academic / other
Locations2 sites (New York, New York and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05722561 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This open-label, randomized controlled trial compares the effectiveness of electronic cigarettes to telehealth motivational counseling combined with nicotine replacement therapy for reducing combustible cigarette smoking among individuals with opioid use disorder. Participants must be enrolled in opioid use disorder treatment programs and have a history of smoking. The study aims to provide an additional tool for tobacco harm reduction in this vulnerable population, which has historically faced challenges in achieving smoking cessation. The trial will assess the impact of these interventions on smoking reduction over a specified period.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 21 and older who smoke at least 5 cigarettes per day and are currently receiving treatment for opioid use disorder.

Not a fit: Patients who are actively trying to quit smoking or have recently used other tobacco products may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce smoking rates among patients with opioid use disorder, improving their overall health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of e-cigarettes for smoking cessation is a growing area of interest, this specific approach targeting opioid use disorder patients is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Currently smokes 5 or more CPD
2. Age ≥ 21 years
3. Has a diagnosis of Opioid Use Disorder
4. In OUDTP (buprenorphine or methadone) ≥ 12 weeks via self-report or EHR records
5. Stable methadone or buprenorphine dose for two weeks via self-report or EHR records
6. Interested in reducing combustible cigarette (CC) smoking but not necessarily trying to quit
7. Own a mobile phone or have regular access to a mobile phone.
8. Able to provide an additional contact to improve follow-up rates.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Does not speak English or Spanish
2. Are pregnant or breastfeeding
3. Not able to provide consent
4. Used tobacco products other than CC in the past 2 weeks (e.g., EC, cigarillo)
5. Currently engaged in an attempt to quit CC smoking
6. Reports having severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma (i.e., with exacerbation requiring hospitalization or intubation in the prior 6 months)
7. Reports current major depressive or manic episode, current psychotic disorder, past-year suicide attempt or psychiatric hospitalization, or current suicidal ideation with plan or intent.

Where this trial is running

New York, New York and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Opioid Use DisorderCigarette Smokingcigarettessmokingsmoking reductionOUDOUDTPBuprenorphine
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.