Effectiveness of Reducing Smoking in Facilitating Smoking Cessation in Adolescents - 2

Among adolescents, the short-term health effects of smoking include damage to the
respiratory system, addiction to nicotine, and the associated risk of other drug use.
Adolescents are at greater risk for long-term health problems, including several types of
cancer. This study will examine whether reducing smoking will facilitate smoking cessation
in adolescents who have unsuccessfully attempted to quit smoking. The study will also assess
whether reduction of smoking leads to continued involvement in treatment, less toxic
cigarette exposure, and improved motivation and self-efficacy to quit.

Participants in this open-label study will undergo 2 weeks of baseline measurements,
followed by 2 weeks of smoking cessation treatment. Treatment will involve a nicotine patch,
for those who are eligible, and a standardized behavioral intervention aimed at supporting
smoking cessation. Those who are ineligible to receive a nicotine patch will only receive
the standardized behavioral intervention. Participants who quit smoking during the first
phase of treatment will continue to receive the nicotine patches and/or the standardized
behavioral intervention. Those who are still smoking after the first treatment will be
randomly assigned to one of two conditions and will continue to use nicotine patches for 4
weeks. Group 1 will receive standardized behavioral therapy and will set a specific quit
date. Group 2 will be encouraged to decrease smoking by 50% the first week and 75% the
second week. During Week 3, participants will be encouraged to completely quit smoking.
Study visits will occur weekly, at which time nicotine patches will be dispensed,
standardized behavioral therapy will be provided, and standard physiological measurements
will be taken. A urine sample will also be collected. Follow-up visits will be held 2 weeks,
3 weeks, and 6 months following completion of the study.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Has smoked at least 5 cigarettes a day for at least 6 months

- Does not regularly use other tobacco products

- Motivated to quit smoking

- Not currently using medications to quit smoking

- Willing to use an effective form of contraception throughout the study

Exclusion Criteria:

- Informed that nicotine replacement therapy is medically inadvisable

- Diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder within 3 months prior to enrollment

- Currently taking an unstable dose of psychoactive medications

- Currently taking medications that may react with a nicotine patch

- History of alcohol or drug abuse within 3 months prior to enrollment

- Pregnant