An Open Trial of Electronic Cigarettes for Smoking Cessation Among Methadone-Maintained Smokers

Introduction:
This text is a study on the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) as a smoking cessation aid among methadone-maintained smokers. The study aims to evaluate the experiences of individuals in methadone treatment who would like to quit smoking.

Key Points:

* The study is an open pilot trial of e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation aid among methadone-maintained smokers.
* Participants were recruited from a large methadone maintenance treatment program in Southeastern New England.
* Inclusion criteria included current moderate or heavy cigarette use, being on methadone treatment for at least 3 months, and being ready to make a smoking quit attempt in the next 14 days.
* Participants were instructed to use e-cigarettes exclusively for a total of 6 weeks and were given a 2-week supply of NJOY e-cigarettes.
* Participants were also referred to the state telephone QuitLine for supportive counseling.
* The primary outcome was defined as carbon monoxide-confirmed abstinence in persons who self-reported abstinence on the 7 days immediately prior to the week-7 assessment.
* The secondary outcome was reduction in the average CPD of use in the 7 days prior to each follow-up assessment.

Main Message:
The study found that e-cigarettes were associated with reductions in cigarette use among methadone-maintained smokers. Adherence to e-cigarettes was high among participants, and smoking quit rates were similar to pharmacotherapies tested in this population. However, the long-term effects of e-cigarette use on smoking cessation and health outcomes remain unclear. Further research is needed to optimize the use of e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation aid and to assess their safety and efficacy.

Stein, Michael D., Celeste Caviness, Kristin Grimone, Daniel Audet, Bradley J. Anderson, and Genie L. Bailey. “An Open Trial of Electronic Cigarettes for Smoking Cessation Among Methadone-Maintained Smokers.” Nicotine & Tobacco Research 18, no. 5 (May 2016): 1157–62. https://doi.org/10.1093/ntr/ntv267.