Smokeless tobacco reduction with the nicotine lozenge and behavioral intervention.

INTRODUCTION: Studies have evaluated smoking reduction with nicotine replacement therapy to reduce tobacco exposure and facilitate abstinence among cigarette smokers, but none have evaluated a reduction approach in smokeless tobacco (ST) users.

METHODS: We conducted an open-label pilot study to determine if the 4-mg nicotine lozenge with a behavioral intervention could facilitate ST use reduction among ST users compared with a behavioral intervention alone. Eligible subjects were ST users not interested in quitting.

RESULTS: One hundred and two subjects were randomized. Both interventions were associated with significant decreases in ST use and toxicant exposure and with increased abstinence, quit attempts, and duration of abstinence. However, no significant differences were observed between groups for these outcomes.

DISCUSSION: A behavioral intervention with or without the nicotine lozenge may be effective for decreasing both ST use and toxicant exposure and for increasing tobacco abstinence, quit attempts, and duration of abstinence. The use of reduction strategies for ST users not interested in quitting deserves further evaluation as an intervention strategy.