Varenicline-Aided Cigarette Reduction in Smokers Not Ready to Quit

Varenicline-Aided Cigarette Reduction in Smokers Not Ready to Quit

The investigators will randomize smokers to receive 1) Varenicline + smoking cessation/reduction counseling or 2) Placebo pill + smoking cessation/reduction counseling. Neither the participants nor the research therapists/evaluators will know to which condition (active or placebo pill) the participants have been assigned i.e., a double-blind study). The medication and weekly counseling will occur for 28 days. Participants will complete assessment measures just before the start of treatment (baseline), at the end-of-treatment, at 1-month, 3-month, and at 6-months to determine if there are differences in tobacco use between treatment groups.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Must smoke at least 10 cigarettes per day for past 6-months
• Must have a working cellular or land-line phone

Exclusion Criteria:

• Must not be thinking of quitting in the next 30 days, but be interested in cutting down- Must not regularly (more than 1x/month) use tobacco products other than cigarettes
• Must not be currently receiving tobacco dependence treatment counseling
• Must not currently be taking varenicline, bupropion, nortriptyline, or any nicotine preparations (gum, lozenge, patch, spray, inhaler)
• Must not have positive screen on SCID-I/NP Psychotic Screen
• Must have no contraindications to using varenicline, including pregnancy, as measured by Medical History Form