A new, positive approach to quitting smoking.

What are we studying?
The purpose of this study is to evaluate a new approach for counseling in smoking cessation. We also want to know if text messaging can be a user-friendly way to help people quit smoking.

Why is it important?
You may quit smoking, which could improve your health. You also have a chance to contribute to a scientific study that may help people in the future.

Who can participate?
If you are 18 years or older, willing to attend 6 sessions with a smoking cessation counselor, have an active cellphone that can send and receive text messages, and do not live outside of commuting distance of Boston, you may be eligible to participate.

What will I be asked to do?
You will be asked to come to our study center for 6 weeks for 35-50 minutes, then again 12, 26 and 52 weeks after your quit day. During these appointments you will out questionnaires and receive brief counseling. Each time you come in you will fill provide a breath sample to measure carbon monoxide and to test for alcohol. If abstinent from cigarettes you will be asked to give a saliva sample. You will receive 8-weeks of the transdermal nicotine patch as well as 8 weeks of daily text messages. Estimated time commitment: 10 visits over 1 year.

Will I be compensated for participating?
You will be asked to come to the study center to complete follow-up interviews 12, 26 and 52 weeks after your quit day. The first interview takes about 50 minutes to complete and the remaining sessions last about 35 minutes each. You will be paid $35 for the 12-week interview (plus $20 if you do not have unlimited texting), $35 for the 26-week interview, and $50 for the 52-week interview. Some participants may incur phone costs if they do not have unlimited texting plans; we will provide an additional $20 compensation for those not having unlimited texting plans.