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STEPS: Substance Use Trial of E-cigarettes or Pharmacotherapy for Smoking
Sponsor: Medical University of South Carolina
Summary
The purpose of this study is to investigate whether non-cigarette tobacco products, namely e-cigarettes (nicotine vapes), can help people who smoke and are in treatment for substance use disorder quit smoking by switching completely to e-cigarettes as compared to FDA-approved medications, namely nicotine replacement therapy in the form of patches and lozenges. Participation will last 6 months and includes 14 weekly study visits and 2 follow-up study visits (in-person, but virtual study visits are possible). Participants will also complete a short daily diary on their phones each day for the first twelve weeks. To qualify, participants (ages 21+) must be enrolled in an outpatient substance use disorder (SUD) treatment program. The study is being done in four regions across South Carolina: Charleston, Pickens/Easley, Conway, and Greenville.
Official title: Evaluating a Tobacco Harm Reduction Strategy Among Clients Enrolled in Substance Use Disorder Treatment
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
21 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
240
Start Date
2025-10-17
Completion Date
2028-09-01
Last Updated
2026-09-03
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Switching to E-Cigarette
Participants will receive twelve weeks of e-cigarette products with instructions to switch completely at switch date
Quitting using Medication
Participants will receive twelve weeks of FDA approved medication, combination NRT, with instructions to quit smoking cigarettes at quit date
Counseling
Participants will recieve brief weekly counseling to support their quit or switch attempt from cigarettes.
Locations (4)
MUSC Charleston
Charleston, South Carolina, United States
Shoreline Behavioral Health Services
Conway, South Carolina, United States
Phoenix Center
Greenville, South Carolina, United States
Behavioral Health Services of Pickens County
Pickens, South Carolina, United States