CPT and Smoking Cessation

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and cigarette smoking are both associated with
significant impairment in Veterans and cost to the Veterans' Affairs (VA) system. Though
naturalistic and laboratory studies suggest smoking is linked with PTSD symptoms, existing
smoking cessation treatments targeting PTSD smokers have not utilized standardized,
evidence-based PTSD treatment. The most effective smoking cessation approach to date for PTSD
smokers, Integrated Care for Smoking Cessation (ICSC), relies on delivery of smoking
cessation treatment by the individual's PTSD treatment provider. In a recent trial comparing
ICSC to VA specialty Smoking Cessation Clinic care, ICSC produced significantly better
prolonged smoking abstinence. However, ICSC was associated with only modest improvements in
PTSD symptoms, with no difference between ICSC and smoking cessation treatment alone,
suggesting a likely avenue for improving ICSC. The investigators have developed an
intervention that combines evidence based treatment for PTSD [cognitive processing therapy
(CPT-C)] with evidence based smoking cessation for PTSD [Integrated Care for Smoking
Cessation (ICSC)] and a mobile text messaging program. The primary aim of the proposed study
is to evaluate the integration of CPT-C and smoking cessation treatment in an individual
12-session PTSD protocol as compared to a protocol including the same smoking cessation
treatment for individuals with PTSD, but without CPT-C. This intervention will be evaluated
with the following hypotheses:

1. Compared to the smoking cessation alone protocol, the smoking cessation + concurrent
CPT-C protocol will result in reduced frequency and intensity of PTSD symptoms.

2. Compared to the smoking cessation alone protocol, the smoking cessation + concurrent
CPT-C protocol will result in reduced depressive symptoms.

3. The smoking cessation + concurrent CPT-C protocol will result in decreased smoking
rates, relative to published data on VA smoking cessation usual care.

4. Greater PTSD symptom reduction during the smoking cessation + concurrent CPT-C treatment
will result in longer duration to smoking lapse and relapse.

5. Exploratory research question: Will candidate genes described earlier predict treatment
response in smokers with PTSD?

6. Exploratory research question: Will use of automated text messaging as an adjunct to
smoking cessation be feasible, and will it impact quit rates?

The development of a combined CPT-C/ICSC intervention with established empirical support
would benefit the many Veterans with PTSD who smoke by providing them with treatment of two
pervasive problems with significant associated impairment. In addition, this treatment could
substantially reduce the cost of administering two individual treatments separately by
administering them in combination.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Must be U.S. Veteran

- Smoke at least ten cigarettes a day

- Meet criteria for current PTSD

- Speak and write fluent conversational English

- Be between 18 and 65 years of age

- Be willing to attempt smoking cessation

- Must have access to a phone capable of receiving text messages

Exclusion Criteria:

- Not stable on medications for the study period

- History of myocardial infarction in the past 6 months

- Contraindication to NRT and inability to get medical clearance from primary care
provider

- Use of other forms of nicotine such as cigars, pipes, or chewing tobacco.

- Pregnancy

- Inability to complete study measures and tasks independently

- Dementia or other brain disorder, schizophrenia, current manic syndrome, or substance
abuse/dependence in the preceding 3 months.

- Currently receiving trauma-focused psychotherapy.

- Currently living in court-ordered residential substance abuse treatment.