Anxiety Sensitivity Program for Smoking Cessation

Inclusion criteria

• Aged between 18 and 65 years old
• Not pregnant
• Regular smoker averaging 10 or more cigarettes per day for at least one year
• Score of 25 or greater on 16-item Anxiety Sensitivity Index
• Motivation to Quit score of 7 or greater (using Readiness to Quit Ladder)
• Not currently using pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation (e.g., Zyban)
• No use of other tobacco products (e.g., chewing tobacco, cigars)
• No Axis-I or Axis-II diagnoses other than mood or anxiety disorders (intake interview required)
• No suicidal or homicidal ideation
• No current psychotropic medication use
• No evidence of substance abuse or dependence (other than nicotine dependence)
• No history of significant medical conditions (cardiovascular, neurological, etc.)
• Ability to provide informed, written consent (no evidence of limited mental capacity)
• Sufficient command of the English language (able to carry on interview conversation)
• Plan to stay in Burlington VT area for at least next 6 months

Exclusion criteria

• Not between 18-65 years old
• Pregnant or currently trying to become pregnant
• Regular smoker for less than one year OR smoke less than 10 cigarettes per day
• ASI below cutoff level of 25
• Motivation to Quit score of 6 or less (using Readiness to Quit Ladder)
• Current or recent use of any pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation (e.g., patch, Zyban)
• Current use of other tobacco products (e.g., chewing tobacco, cigars)
• Axis-I disorders other than anxiety or mood disorders.
• Endorsement of suicidality or homicidal ideation.
• Any current psychotropic medication use (must have stopped at least 1 month prior).
• Any evidence of substance abuse or dependence (other than nicotine dependence)
• Any history of significant medical conditions (cardiovascular, neurological, etc.)
• Inability to provide informed, written consent (evidence of limited mental capacity)
• Insufficient command of the English language (unable to carry on conversation)
• Plan to permanently leave Burlington area anytime during the next 6-12 months