Behavioral Processes for Smoking and Vaping Dual Use
(DUET Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how behaviors like craving and attention to smoking cues affect the use of traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes. It aims to understand why individuals who use both products might crave and choose them differently in various situations, both in a lab and in real life. Participants will complete tasks to measure their reactions to smoking-related cues and images, including the Choice Task, Computerized Visual Dot Probe, and Cue Reactivity Task. Individuals aged 21 to 34 who regularly use both cigarettes and e-cigarettes and own a smartphone may be a good fit. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research on smoking behaviors and potentially influence future treatments.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, it does exclude participants with current alcohol dependence or certain mental health conditions, which might imply some restrictions on medication use.
What prior data suggests that this study protocol is safe?
Research shows that the treatments in this study—Choice Task, Computerized Visual Dot Probe, and Cue Reactivity Task—are generally safe and well-tolerated. These methods aim to understand behaviors related to smoking and vaping without using drugs or medical procedures.
In the Choice Task, studies indicate that while using both cigarettes and e-cigarettes can pose health risks, the task itself remains safe. It simply observes how people make choices between different options.
The Computerized Visual Dot Probe task examines attention direction and is safely used in research to assess reactions to smoking and vaping cues. No reports of harmful effects have emerged from this task.
The Cue Reactivity Task studies responses to cues, such as seeing someone smoke. Research shows that dual users may react more strongly, but the task itself is safe, involving controlled exposure to these cues without any physical risks.
Overall, these tasks are non-invasive and pose minimal risk to participants.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores innovative ways to understand and potentially tackle the dual use of smoking and vaping. Unlike traditional approaches that often focus solely on quitting smoking or vaping separately, this study uses tasks like the Choice Task, Computerized Visual Dot Probe, and Cue Reactivity Task to delve into the behavioral and psychological processes behind using both. These methods aim to reveal how attention and decision-making influence dual use, potentially leading to more effective, personalized interventions. By examining these underlying mechanisms, researchers hope to develop strategies that address the root causes of dual use rather than just the symptoms.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for smoking and vaping dual use?
Research shows that the treatments studied in this trial, including the Choice Task, Computerized Visual Dot Probe, and Cue Reactivity Task, could enhance understanding of smoking and vaping habits. Studies have found that individuals who use both cigarettes and e-cigarettes often struggle more to quit than those who only smoke cigarettes. Specifically, the Cue Reactivity Task reveals that dual users have strong reactions to e-cigarette-related cues, potentially increasing cravings and use. The Computerized Visual Dot Probe identifies when individuals focus more on smoking and vaping images, which might be linked to cravings and use. These findings suggest that understanding these behaviors could be crucial for addressing the combined use of smoking and vaping.46789
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for young adults aged 21-34 who regularly use both electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and combustible cigarettes. Participants must have used both products on at least 6 of the past 7 days, own a smartphone, speak English at an 8th grade level or higher, and not be planning to quit smoking/vaping or travel in the next month. Pregnant individuals or those with current alcohol dependence, illicit substance use other than marijuana, psychosis, mania, or suicidal ideation are excluded.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Laboratory Sessions
Participants complete two laboratory sessions in a randomized order, exposed to CC or ENDS cues, complete attentional bias assessments, and choose between smoking or vaping.
Natural Environment Monitoring
Participants use a smartphone app for 28 days to report on craving, context, affect, and attentional bias, and complete daily assessments.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the main study activities.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Choice Task
- Computerized Visual Dot Probe
- Cue Reactivity Task
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Brown University
Lead Sponsor
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Collaborator