Quitting Smoking & Vaping

Most people who smoke or vape have tried to stop at least once. Research in this area tests medicines, apps and coaching to make the next attempt the one that lasts.

A lit cigarette resting on a concrete ledge, out of focus behind it
  • Cigarettes
  • Vaping
  • Smokeless tobacco
  • Quitting after a health scare
  • Staying quit

What studies here look at

Quit studies often combine a medicine or nicotine replacement with regular support, then follow you for several months to see who is still smoke-free. The study team usually checks progress with a simple breath test rather than taking your word for it, which helps keep results honest.

Newer studies look at quitting vapes, which many people find as hard as cigarettes, and at support delivered by text message or app. Others focus on people with particular reasons to stop, such as pregnancy, heart disease or lung problems.

Who studies often look for

  • Adults who smoke cigarettes daily and want to stop

  • People who vape and would like to quit

  • People who have stopped recently and want to stay that way

  • Adults who have tried to quit before and started again

Each study sets its own requirements. Read this as the people who tend to be asked, not as a checklist.

What taking part might involve

Four things studies in this area often ask of the people who take part.

  • A breath test

    Blowing into a small meter that reads the carbon monoxide in your breath.

  • A quit date

    Chosen with the team, usually a week or two after you start.

  • Coaching

    Short calls, texts or visits to talk through cravings and setbacks.

  • Follow-up

    Check-ins for some months after your quit date, even if you have started again.

Questions for the study team

Take these to your first call, and note the answers.

  • Will I receive a medicine, nicotine replacement, coaching or a mix?
  • What happens if I slip and smoke during the study?
  • Can I take part if I smoke and vape?

Hear about studies in this area

Sign up with Quitting Smoking & Vaping as your area and your ZIP code, and we will text you when a study near you lines up.

Sign up for this area

See what is recruiting today

ClinicalTrials.gov is the public U.S. list of studies. This search shows recruiting studies for quitting smoking.

Open the registry search