De-nicotinised Cigarettes Study

The aim of this study is to determine if using a behavioural replacement for smoking (de-nicotinised cigarettes; DNCs), in addition to standard treatment during the first two weeks after the target quit date, can reduce urges to smoke over the first 4-weeks of abstinence. Two hundred smokers who want to quit will be recruited from the community. They would all receive standard smoking cessation treatment from the NHS Stop Smoking Service (NHS SSS), which uses a combination of stop smoking medication (e.g. nicotine replacement therapy, Champix) and motivational support. On their target quit date, participants would be randomised to receive behavioural replacement ( i.e. use of de-nicotinised cigarettes) plus standard treatment for the first two weeks of their quit attempt, or to continue with standard treatment alone. De-nicotinised cigarettes are similar to standard cigarettes except that they do not deliver nicotine to the smoker. Participants will rate their urges to smoke at each week. Standard NHS SSS measures will also be taken in addition to user acceptability ratings and reactions to smoking cues.

The hypothesis is that complementing current NHS SSS treatments with de-nicotinised cigarettes, to address the non-nicotine factors associated with smoking and to help extinguish smoking behaviour, would result in lower urges to smoke than standard treatment alone.

• Smoking Cessation
• Tobacco Dependence

• Other: De-nicotinised cigarettes + standard treatment

  Participants will receive de-nicotinised cigarettes to use as required for 2 weeks after their quit day. These cigarettes are intended to provide a replacement for the behavioural and sensory aspects of smoking without supplying nicotine.

  Participants will also receive standard NHS Stop Smoking Service treatment. This is a combination of weekly behavioural support and medication (e.g. nicotine replacement therapy/varenicline).

  Other Names:

  • NHS Stop Smoking Service
  • De-nicotinised cigarettes
• Other: Standard Treatment
  Participants will receive standard treatment from the NHS Stop Smoking Service.

• Experimental: De-nicotinised cigarettes + standard treatment
  Intervention: Other: De-nicotinised cigarettes + standard treatment
• Active Comparator: Standard treatment
  Intervention: Other: Standard Treatment

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 years or over
• Seeking treatment to stop smoking

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• Acute psychiatric illness