Study # 474
What is the purpose of the study?
- To learn what happens in the brain when people stop smoking for 36 hours
- To learn whether the changes that occur in the brain when people temporarily stop smoking can predict whether they will successfully quit smoking following treatment
Who can participate in the study?
This study is accepting men and women who:
- Are 18 to 55 years of age
- Are in generally good health
- Are currently smoking and want to quit
What will participants be asked to do?
The study consists of 3 phases
- Phase 1: 3 visits over 3-5 weeks
- Have an MRI scanner take pictures of their brain
- Complete questionnaires and tasks, some done while in the scanner
- Be asked to stop smoking for two 36-hour periods
- Wear a nicotine patch or placebo (patch with no nicotine in it) during one of the quit periods
- Give urine and blood samples
- Phase 2 (Treatment): 13 visits over 12-15 weeks
- Participate in weekly counseling sessions
- Take varenicline (also known as Chantix) daily for 12 weeks
- Complete questionnaires
- Phase 3: 3 visits at 1, 6 and 12 months after the last treatment visit
- Have an MRI scanner take pictures of their brain
- Give urine samples
- Complete questionnaires
Where is the study taking place?
The NIDA Intramural Research Program is located on the Johns Hopkins Bayview campus in east Baltimore.
How much does it cost?
There is no cost for participation.
Will I receive payment of some kind?
All study participants will be paid for their time and travel.
How can I find out if I’m eligible to participate?
Call 1-866-START NOW (1-866-782-7866) for a confidential screening.
