Smoking Cessation for Pain

(OK-SNAP IV Trial)

Overseen By Jamie L Rhudy, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Oklahoma

Must not be taking: Analgesics, Antidepressants, Anti-anxiety

Disqualifiers: Pregnancy, Cardiovascular disorders, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 4 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether quitting smoking for four weeks, with financial incentives, can improve markers of chronic pain risk in Native American smokers. It examines whether those who stop smoking experience pain differently from those who continue. Participants must be Native American, smoke more than 10 cigarettes a day, want to quit, and have a smartphone with a data plan. This study is for individuals without chronic pain or certain health conditions. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding the link between smoking cessation and pain management in Native American communities.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

Yes, you may need to stop taking certain medications, like pain relievers, antidepressants, or anti-anxiety drugs, as they could interfere with the study.

What prior data suggests that this smoking cessation treatment is safe?

Research has shown that quitting smoking can affect pain levels. People who stop smoking have experienced a 23% reduction in pain within a year. Initially, quitting might make pain feel worse and lower the ability to handle it, meaning more pain might be felt at first, but less pain could occur overall in the long run.

Treatments to help quit smoking, such as varenicline and nicotine lozenges, are generally safe. These treatments have been well-studied and are commonly used to assist people in stopping smoking.

In summary, while quitting smoking might cause some short-term discomfort, evidence suggests it can lead to less pain over time. Current research considers the treatments to help quit safe. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about this approach to smoking cessation for pain because it explores a new angle on managing pain through behavioral change rather than medication. Unlike standard treatments for pain, which often involve medications like opioids or NSAIDs, this method focuses on quitting smoking to potentially reduce pain levels. This is particularly intriguing because smoking has been linked to increased pain perception, so cessation might offer dual benefits: improving overall health and reducing pain. If successful, this approach could provide a non-pharmacological option for pain management, which can be especially appealing for those looking to avoid the side effects of pain medications.

What evidence suggests that smoking cessation might be an effective treatment for chronic pain risk?

Research shows that quitting smoking can greatly reduce pain for people with long-term pain conditions. One study found that people who quit smoking reported feeling 23% less pain after a year compared to those who continued smoking. Smokers with chronic pain often experience worse pain, sleep, and mood than non-smokers. Additionally, smoking is linked to poorer outcomes in pain treatment programs. These findings suggest that stopping smoking could help improve pain for Native American smokers. ^{1 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Jamie L Rhudy, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adult Native American smokers who are interested in quitting smoking. The study aims to see if stopping smoking with the help of financial incentives can reduce chronic pain risk. Specific eligibility criteria details are not provided, but typically include being a certain age and having a history of smoking.

Inclusion Criteria

Self-identify as Native American/American Indian

Ability to speak and read English

I smoke more than 10 cigarettes daily but want to quit.

Exclusion Criteria

Currently pregnant

I am older than 18 years.

I have a history of heart, nerve, muscle, or brain disorders.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo smoking cessation treatment with financial incentives for 4 weeks

4 weeks

Abstinence Verification

Participants are monitored for 4 weeks of verified smoking abstinence

4 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in physiological markers of chronic pain risk

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Smoking Cessation

Trial Overview The Oklahoma Study is testing whether a 4-week program that offers financial rewards for quitting smoking can lead to improvements in chronic pain markers among Native Americans. It's designed to measure changes in how the body amplifies or inhibits pain when someone stops smoking.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Smoking Cessation Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Oklahoma

Lead Sponsor

Trials

484

Recruited

95,900+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9666296/

Consensus statement on smoking cessation in patients with pain Smokers show poorer outcomes of multidisciplinary pain management and lower rates of return to work. Smoking interferes with effective pain ...

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S245186542100140X

A comparative effectiveness trial of smoking cessation ... Smokers with chronic pain report lower self-efficacy for smoking cessation [28], and emerging prospective data indicates that smokers with pain are less likely ...

3. jpain.org jpain.org/article/S1526-5900(24)00678-3/abstract

The association between smoking, chronic pain, and ... A year after quitting smoking, opioid use declined by 20% and pain declined by 23% compared to those continuing to smoke, with no difference ...

4. jamanetwork.com jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2829810

Integrated Nicotine Replacement and Behavioral Support ... However, among individuals with opioid dependency, smoking cessation medications demonstrate reduced efficacy, offering only modest ...

5. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6768701/

Effects of smoking on patients with chronic pain Patients with chronic pain who smoke have worse pain, functional, sleep, and psychological and mood outcomes compared to non-smokers.

6. ahrq.gov ahrq.gov/news/newsletters/e-newsletter/938.html

Study Finds Association Between Smoking and Chronic Pain Researchers also found that people who quit smoking show a 20 percent drop in opioid use and a 23 percent reduction in pain within a year.

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9845453/

The Effect of Smoking Cessation on Acute Pain Most studies showed that cigarette withdrawal leads to a phase of decreased pain tolerance and increased pain intensity. Our results warrant ...

8. jamanetwork.com jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2820435

Varenicline and Nicotine Replacement Therapy for ... The combination of varenicline and nicotine lozenges initiated during hospitalization did not improve biochemically verified abstinence.

9. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2673-4087/6/3/74

A Systematic Review of Lifestyle Interventions for ... Results: Across 62 studies comprising cohort, case–control, and cross-sectional designs, smoking was consistently associated with greater NP prevalence and pain ...