Examining Persistence in Smokers With Schizophrenia

Examining Persistence in Smokers With Schizophrenia

All participants will receive free weekly counseling (8- weeks) and free nicotine patches (10-weeks). They will complete assessment measures commonly used in smoking cessation studies. We hope to show that this treatment is feasible in this small pilot study before comparing it to a more established treatment in a future randomized clinical trial.

This study is a non-randomized trial of a new psychosocial treatment for smoking cessation (for smokers with schizophrenia) that is based on cognitive behavioral therapy for smoking cessation - a commonly used approach. Participants will receive free weekly counseling (8- weeks) and free nicotine patches (10-weeks). They will complete assessment measures commonly used in smoking cessation studies. We hope to show that this treatment is feasible in this small pilot study before comparing it to a more established treatment in a future randomized clinical trial.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Must be between 18 - 64 years old
• Must indicate commitment to quitting smoking in the next 30 days
• Must smoke at least 5 cigarettes per day for past 6-months
• Expired breath carbon monoxide (CO) > 5 to ensure daily cigarette use
• Must score < 8 (or <7 for women) on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test
• Must score less than 3 on the 6-month Drug Abuse Screening Test-10
• Must provide a negative urine drug screen for cannabis, cocaine, opiates, or
• methamphetamine (Note: Participants with a positive screen for opiates may
• participate with proof of prescription for opiates.)
• Must have a diagnosis of Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder on Structured Clinical Interview
• Psychiatric illness must be stable, as indicated by no hospitalizations in previous 8 weeks, and a stable psychotropic medication regimen including a stable antipsychotic dose for 8 weeks

Exclusion Criteria:

• Must not be currently receiving tobacco dependence treatment counseling
• Must not currently be taking varenicline (Chantix)
• Must not be taking bupropion (Zyban/Wellbutrin) to quit smoking
• Must not be taking any nicotine preparations (gum, lozenge, patch, spray, inhaler) daily over the last 10 days.
• Must not report unstable angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, or significant cardiac arrhythmia (including atrial fibrillation) in the past 90 days
• Must not be pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning on becoming pregnant in the next 4-months. Women who can become pregnant may be included if using effective birth control
• Must not have pending legal matters with potential to result in jail time
• Must not be planning on moving outside local area in next 3-months