Varenicline for Smoking Reduction in Veterans Not Ready To Quit

Launched by VA OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT · May 2, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a treatment called varenicline to help Veterans who smoke but are not ready to quit. Many Veterans struggle with tobacco use, and current treatments aren't very effective for those who aren't planning to stop smoking soon. The goal of this study is to see if varenicline can encourage these Veterans to cut down on their smoking and eventually help them quit for good. By finding better ways to support Veterans who smoke, the study aims to improve their health and reduce smoking-related diseases.

To be eligible for this trial, participants must be Veterans who smoke at least 5 cigarettes a day and are not planning to quit in the next 30 days but are open to reducing their smoking. They should also be at least 21 years old, able to communicate in English, and medically cleared to use the study medications. Throughout the trial, participants will receive support and information about managing their smoking habits. This study is not yet recruiting, but it has the potential to provide valuable insights into smoking cessation for Veterans who need it.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Report smoking an average of 5 or more cigarettes daily for the previous 6 months
• • Not ready to set a quit date in the next 30 days but willing to cut down on their smoking
• • Able to read, write, and speak English
• • Be medically eligible to use study medications (NRT or varenicline)
• • If female, use an approved method of birth control while using study medication
• • Be at least 21 years old
• • Be a Veteran
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Unable to give informed, voluntary consent to participate
• • Current use of any pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation
• • Use of non-cigarette tobacco products as primary form of tobacco use
• • Incarceration