Translating Extinction Research to Improve Pharmacotherapy for Tobacco Dependence
Smoking Cessation, Tobacco Dependence
About this trial
This is an interventional prevention trial for Smoking Cessation focused on measuring pharmacotherapy
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- ≥18 years of age
- Smoke at least 10 cigarettes daily for the past year
- Expired-air carbon monoxide (CO) > 8 ppm
- Medically eligible to receive varenicline
- Score at least a 5 on the Contemplation Ladder (Biener & Abrams 1991), a measure of motivation to quit smoking.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Are pregnant or lactating
- Have renal dysfunction
- Have a history of seizures
- Are medically at risk in the judgment of the study physician
- Have ever used varenicline
- Have used other smoking cessation medications within the past three months
- Have current psychiatric disorders (i.e. major depression, bipolar, and/or psychotic disorders)
- Have substance use disorder as determined by a psychiatric screener (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview [MINI]; Sheehan et al 2015).
- We must limit the number of participants from the same street address to 1.
Sites / Locations
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Arm 3
Active Comparator
Active Comparator
Active Comparator
Extended Varenicline + Facilitated Extinction
Standard Varenicline (SV)
Extended Varenicline (EV)
Extended Varenicline plus Facilitated Extinction (EV+FE). Participants in the EV+FE condition will receive varenicline for a 4-week run-in period while continuing to smoke. In addition, the EV+FE condition will receive counseling and support materials (including a review and self-monitoring workbook tentatively titled, Winding Down: A Guide to Quitting Smoking using Varenicline) instructing participants to systematically utilize the FE techniques provided. All groups will undergo periodic laboratory assessments and surveys.
Participants in the Standard Varenicline (SV) condition will receive varenicline for the usual 1-week run-in period while continuing to smoke. All groups will undergo periodic laboratory assessments and surveys.
Participants in the Extended Varenicline (EV) condition will receive varenicline for a 4-week run-in period while continuing to smoke. All groups will undergo periodic laboratory assessments and surveys.