Both smoking reduction with nicotine replacement therapy and motivational advice increase future cessation among smokers unmotivated to quit

J Consult Clin Psychol. 2004 Jun;72(3):371-81. doi: 10.1037/0022-006X.72.3.371.

Abstract

Smokers not currently interested in quitting (N = 616) were randomized to receive telephone-based (a) reduction counseling plus nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) plus brief advice to quit, (b) motivational advice plus brief advice, or (c) no treatment. More smokers in the reduction (43%) and motivational (51%) conditions made a 24-hr quit attempt over 6 months than smokers in the no-treatment condition (16%; p < or = .01), but the 2 active conditions did not differ (p > or = .05). Similarly, 18%, 23%, and 4% of each condition were abstinent (7-day point prevalence) at 6 months (p < or = .01). Results indicate smoking reduction using NRT does not undermine cessation but rather increases the likelihood of quitting to a degree similar to motivational advice.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Adult
  • Chewing Gum
  • Counseling / methods*
  • Female
  • Ganglionic Stimulants / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Motivation*
  • Nicotine / administration & dosage
  • Nicotine / therapeutic use*
  • Smoking / epidemiology*
  • Smoking / therapy*
  • Smoking Cessation / methods*
  • Smoking Cessation / statistics & numerical data*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Chewing Gum
  • Ganglionic Stimulants
  • Nicotine