Comparing NicoBloc to Nicotine Lozenges

Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. with approximately 18% of the population continuing to smoke. However, smoking is concentrated in disadvantaged populations where the prevalence of smoking may be as high as 70-80 %. Participants will receive a sampling experience (use of nicotine lozenges or NicoBloc during sessions) with counseling focused around their experience of using these interventions, including side effects and smoking cessation expectancies.

Inclusion criteria

• 18 years or older
• planning to live in the Birmingham Metro area for the next 3 months
• Smoking at least 5 cigarettes per day for the past year and a Carbon Monoxide>8ppm to ensure daily smoking. This relatively low cutoff was chosen due to the expectation of enrolling a large >50% African-American average <10 cigarettes per day compared to Whites who average ~15 cigarettes per day
• exclusive use of filtered cigarettes
• English speaking.

Exclusion criteria

• Living in a restricted environment that does not allow smoking (e.g., prison or jail facility, etc.)
• Pregnant or nursing (all women of childbearing potential will be required to use an acceptable form of contraception)
• Currently enrolled in a smoking cessation treatment program, using nicotine replacement products, or prescribed bupropion or varenicline
• Known allergy nicotine lozenge
• Within one month post-myocardial infarction or untreated severe angina
• Cognitive impairment or unstable psychiatric condition that interferes with the informed consent process (individuals stable on psychiatric medications will be included)
• Daily or exclusive use of other tobacco products (e.g., electronic cigarettes, little cigars, etc.).