• To determine the combination or combinations of pharmacotherapy (either bupropion or the nicotine patch) and either high or low intensity adjunctive counseling (Mayo vs. medical management) that are most effective as well as cost-effective. [ Time Frame: 1 year ]
  

Behavioral: Behavioral Therapy
Weekly behavioural therapy based on MAYO clinic manual.

The prime objective of this Innovative Stage I A/B Behavioral Therapy Development Research project is to conduct a pilot study under randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled conditions, to provide preliminary estimation of the efficacy of a 6 week Accu Drop nicotine fading protocol used in conjunction with cigarette tapering to bring about termination of cigarette usage in moderate to heavy smokers (*15 cpd) who are interested in smoking cessation. Both the experimental and control groups in this study will receive six weeks of the manually driven behavioral treatment by experienced and trained therapists. The experimental group (N=30) will also be prescribed active Accu Drops (AD&C) while the control condition (N=30) will be prescribed placebo Accu Drops (PD&C) very similar in appearance, viscosity, and taste to active Accu Drops. Completion of the study protocol and smoking cessation rates at 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months post-treatment will be the prime measures of efficacy. The findings of this study will provide sufficient preliminary indication for the efficacy of the experimental treatment and its extended investigation in a Phase II study or for its nonefficacy.