Intensive Referral to Reduce Smoking in Probationers

The purpose of this study is to determine if Intensive Referral Intervention increases motivation to quit cigarette smoking and quitting-related behaviors in probationers and also to determine if Intensive Referral Intervention improves short-term substance use outcomes in probationers with substance use disorder.

This is a longitudinal study of adults on probation who have a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and smoke cigarettes. One-half of probation officers will be trained in the Intensive Referral Intervention (IRI) while one-half will deliver Standard Practice which is to encourage support group attendance. Research staff will assess fidelity to the IRI in trained probation officers. The investigators propose to enroll 150 probationers over a four month period and complete 3 and 6-month follow-up interviews to assess smoking and substance use measures.

The Intensive Referral Intervention Group will review a series of pamphlets regarding participation in 12-step meetings as well as smoking cessation that will be presented in a group setting to probationers in 3 sessions.

The Standard Practice Facilitated Group will receive 3 sessions of the current standard practice for facilitated groups.

Increased Motivation to quit cigarette smoking in probationers as indicated by change in Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence

Increased Motivation to quit cigarette smoking in probationers as indicated by a change in Readiness to Quit Ladder

Increased Motivation to quit cigarette smoking in probationers as indicated by a change in QSU-Brief Questionnaire for Smoking Urges

Inclusion Criteria: CBR-MH Probationers in Douglas County, NE SUD daily cigarette smoker Exclusion Criteria: Under guardianship unwilling to provide personal contact information unable to pass Mini-Cog