Nicotine Patch + Counseling for Smoking Cessation

This trial aims to help Black adults quit smoking by evaluating different methods using nicotine patches and counseling. Participants will divide into three groups: one receives standard support, another gets more intensive help, and the third group receives extra incentives for completing sessions. Researchers will compare each method's effectiveness to determine which best supports long-term quitting. The trial suits individuals who self-identify as Black, smoke regularly, want to quit, and are willing to pause other stop-smoking medicines during the study. As a Phase 4 trial, this research focuses on understanding how an already FDA-approved and effective treatment can benefit more patients.

You will need to stop using any non-study smoking cessation medications while participating in the trial. If you are taking bupropion for reasons other than quitting smoking, you cannot join the study.

Research shows that the nicotine patch is generally safe for adults who smoke. Studies have found that it does not significantly increase the risk of heart problems, even for individuals with heart disease. However, users may experience skin irritation, such as redness or itching, at the application site. This side effect is common but usually not serious.

Researchers are excited about these treatments for smoking cessation because they combine nicotine replacement therapy with personalized counseling, offering a more comprehensive approach than the standard nicotine patch or gum alone. The Intensive Intervention adds a choice of individual phone or virtual group sessions, plus engaging content like the Pathways to Freedom videos, which aim to bolster motivation and provide ongoing support. The Intensive Incentivized Intervention goes a step further by rewarding participants financially for completing counseling sessions, potentially increasing adherence and success rates. This multi-faceted strategy could offer smokers a more engaging and supportive path to quitting compared to traditional methods.

Research has shown that nicotine patches can double the chances of quitting smoking compared to patches without nicotine. One study found that people using nicotine patches were more than twice as likely to quit smoking. Success rates for quitting long-term, such as for 6 to 12 months, were significantly higher with the patch. This trial will compare different interventions, including the Standard Intervention with 2 weeks of nicotine patches and counseling, and the Intensive Intervention with 8 weeks of patches and additional support. Combining the patch with counseling can further improve the chances of success. Overall, the nicotine patch is a proven and effective method to help individuals quit smoking.⁶⁷⁸⁹¹⁰