Effectiveness of continuing nicotine replacement after a lapse: A randomized trial

Area of Science:

• Addiction Medicine
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Previous analyses suggested continuing nicotine patch use after a lapse aids smoking cessation.
• This study aimed to replicate these findings in a randomized trial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test if instructing smokers to continue nicotine patch use after a lapse improves abstinence rates.
• To evaluate the impact of lapse management strategies on smoking cessation.

Main Methods:

• 701 smokers attempting to quit were randomized to either continue or discontinue nicotine patch use after a lapse.
• Participants received nicotine patch therapy and phone counseling.
• Instructions were reinforced through multiple communication channels.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in 7-day abstinence at 4 months was observed between groups (51% vs. 46%).
• Most participants (81%) in the discontinue group resumed abstinence and patch use after a short break.
• Adverse events were similar and as expected in both conditions.

Conclusions:

• Instructing smokers to continue nicotine patch use after a lapse did not enhance return to abstinence.
• Similar patch usage in both groups and potential reduced motivation to quit may explain the negative results.