Mechanisms of Mindfulness for Smoking Cessation

Mechanisms of Mindfulness for Smoking Cessation: Optimizing Quantity and Quality.

The purpose of this study is to understand brain mechanisms of app-based mindfulness training in smokers ages 21 to 65 years.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 21-65 years of age
• Smoke 10+ cigarettes/day
• < 3 months abstinence in the past year
• Have a smartphone; and motivated to quit smoking
• Score >18 of 20 on Action subscale of the Readiness to Change Questionnaire

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any usage of psychotropic medication: not on a stable dosage 6+ months
• Prior participation in a mindfulness course or regular meditation practice (>20 min/week)
• Serious psychiatric, cognitive, or medical disorder
• MRI contraindications
• Structural brain damage as well as other brain abnormalities revealed by the MRI
• Claustrophobia
• Not being fluent in English
• Recreational drug use
• Pregnant women
• History of a neurological disorder
• Current participation in a smoking study
• Adults unable to consent
• Prisoners