Study protocol for approach bias retraining for nicotine addiction among dual combustible and electronic cigarette users

Abstract

Background: Electronic cigarette (ECIG) use has become a popular method for nicotine delivery. Combustible cigarette (CC) cessation or reduction are the primary reasons for ECIG uptake among adults. Yet, most CC smokers who initiate ECIG use do not fully transition from CC to ECIG, despite intending to quit CC completely. Retraining approach bias, or the approach action tendency toward stimuli related to the substance of interest, has been effective in alcohol and CC use treatments. However, approach bias retraining for both CC and (ECIG) users has not been explored. Therefore, the objective of the study is to evaluate the initial efficacy of approach bias retraining among dual CC and ECIG users.

Methods: Eligible dual CC/ECIG using adults (N = 90) will complete a phone-screener, baseline assessment, 4 treatment sessions over 2 weeks, ecological momentary assessments (EMAs) post-intervention, and follow-ups at 4- and 6-week post-intervention. Participants will be assigned to one of three conditions at baseline: (1) CC + ECIG retraining; (2) CC only retraining; and (3) sham retraining. Participants will engage in a self-guided quit attempt to abstain from all nicotine products starting at treatment session 4.

Conclusions: The study may lead to a more effective treatment for at-risk nicotine users while simultaneously isolating explanatory mechanisms. The findings should guide advances in the theoretical conceptualization of nicotine addiction for dual users and mechanisms involved in maintaining and abstaining from CC and ECIG, and provide initial effect size data for a brief intervention, thus providing necessary data for a large-scale follow-up trial. Clinical Trials ID: NCT05306158.

Keywords: Behavioral intervention; Electronic/combustible cigarette use; Smoking cessation; Tobacco-use; approach-avoidance bias.