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NCT Number: NCT07594717

Effects of E-Cigarette Flavors on Adult E-Cigarette Users With Opioid Use Disorder

This study examines the effects of e-cigarette (EC) flavors among adults with opioid use disorder (OUD) receiving buprenorphine treatment who currently use e-cigarettes. Participants will smell and rate 11 EC flavors based on appeal, sensory characteristics, and likelihood of future use. Researchers will examine how different flavor profiles influence the appeal and reinforcing effects of ECs in this population. The goal is to identify EC flavors that may enhance the acceptability of ECs as a potential harm-reduction strategy among adults with OUD receiving buprenorphine treatment.

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Key information

Conditions

Nicotine Use Disoder Chemically-Induced Disorders Mental Disorders Narcotic-Related Disorders Opioid Use Disorder Opioid-Related Disorders Substance-Related Disorders

Age range

21 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Prisma Health Recovery Clinic-Greenville

Greenville, South Carolina, 29605, United States

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

Alain Litwin, MD

CONTACT

[email protected]

(864) 455-5994

About this study

This study examines the effects of e-cigarette (EC) flavors among adults with opioid use disorder (OUD) who are receiving buprenorphine treatment and currently use e-cigarettes. Participants will complete a brief session in which they will smell and rate 11 EC flavors based on their appeal, sensory characteristics, and likelihood of future use. Researchers will examine how different flavor profiles influence the appeal, positive subjective effects, and reinforcing potential of EC flavors in this population. The goal of the study is to identify one or more EC flavors that may enhance the acceptability and reinforcing effects of ECs as a potential harm-reduction strategy among adults with OUD receiving buprenorphine treatment.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Adults aged 21 years or older.
  • Current e-cigarette users who report e-cigarette use on ≥20 of the past 30 days.
  • Former daily cigarette smokers who currently smoke on ≤19 days per month and no more than 5 cigarettes per day.
  • Diagnosed with opioid use disorder (OUD).
  • Currently receiving buprenorphine treatment for OUD.

Exclusion criteria

-

Treatment and study plan

Sweet-cooling

Drug

Sweet-cooling EC flavor

Sweet non-cooling EC flavor

Drug

Sweet non-cooling flavor

Tobacco flavor EC

Drug

Tobacco flavor EC

Primary outcomes

  1. Perceived Sweetness

    Time frame: Baseline session

    Perceived sweetness of each e-cigarette flavor will be assessed using a one-item VAS ranging from "Not sweet at all" to "Extremely sweet," with higher scores indicating greater perceived sweetness.

  2. Perceived Coolness/Freshness

    Time frame: Baseline session

    Perceived coolness/freshness of each e-cigarette flavor will be assessed using a one-item VAS ranging from "Not cool/fresh at all" to "Extremely cool/fresh," with higher scores indicating greater perceived coolness/freshness.

  3. Perceived Flavor Strength

    Time frame: Baseline session

    Perceived flavor strength will be assessed using a one-item VAS ranging from "Very weak" to "Very strong," with higher scores indicating greater perceived flavor strength.

  4. Perceived Harshness/Irritation

    Time frame: Baseline session

    Perceived harshness/irritation of each e-cigarette flavor will be assessed using a one-item VAS ranging from "Not harsh/irritating at all" to "Extremely harsh/irritating," with higher scores indicating greater perceived harshness/irritation.

  5. Flavor Liking

    Time frame: Baseline session

    Flavor liking will be assessed using a one-item VAS ranging from "Not at all" to "Extremely," with higher scores indicating greater liking of the flavor.

  6. Likelihood of Future Use

    Time frame: Baseline session

    Likelihood of future use will be assessed using a one-item VAS ranging from "Not at all" to "Definitely," with higher scores indicating greater likelihood of future use of the flavor.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Irene Pericot-Valverde, PhD

CONTACT

[email protected]

18549998005 ext. (864)656-4467

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Prisma Health-Upstate

Other

Collaborators

  • National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of E-Cigarette Flavors on Adult E-Cigarette Users With Opioid Use Disorder Receiving Buprenorphine

Acronym: FLAVOR

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
May 19, 2026
Registry last updated
May 22, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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