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Quitting by gradual smoking reduction using nicotine gum: a randomized controlled trial
Saul Shiffman1, Stuart G Ferguson, Kenneth R Strahs
1Pinney Associates, Inc., and the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. shiffman@pinneyassociates.com
American Journal of Preventive Medicine
|January 13, 2009
Summary
Nicotine gum helps smokers quit by gradually reducing cigarettes. Using 2-mg or 4-mg nicotine gum significantly increased successful cessation rates at 6 months compared to placebo.
Area of Science:
- Addiction Medicine
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Many smokers aim to quit by progressively decreasing cigarette consumption.
- This study investigated nicotine gum's effectiveness in supporting gradual smoking reduction for cessation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of 2-mg and 4-mg nicotine gum versus placebo in aiding smokers who wish to quit gradually.
- To assess the impact of nicotine gum on both smoking reduction during the tapering phase and long-term abstinence.
Main Methods:
- A multi-center, placebo-controlled, double-blind randomized controlled trial involving 3297 smokers interested in gradual cessation.
- Participants used nicotine gum (2-mg or 4-mg) or placebo, gradually reducing smoking over 8 weeks.
- Abstinence was assessed at 28 days and 6 months; no counseling was provided.
Main Results:
- Smokers using active nicotine gum were significantly more likely to achieve initial cessation.
- Higher rates of 28-day and 6-month continuous abstinence were observed with both 2-mg and 4-mg nicotine gum compared to placebo.
- Active gum use during the reduction phase was associated with greater smoking reduction and increased likelihood of achieving abstinence.
Conclusions:
- Nicotine gum significantly enhances cessation success for smokers attempting to quit through gradual reduction.
- The findings support the use of nicotine gum as an aid for both the reduction and cessation phases of quitting smoking.
- Smokers interested in a gradual cessation approach can benefit from incorporating nicotine gum.
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