Chemical Dependency and Smoking Cessation: Patient's Views - 1

Participants included 34 patients who had never voluntarily quit smoking for longer than 24
hours (continuous smokers), 34 smokers who had quit smoking for at least 24 hours before but
had relapsed (relapsers), and 10 former smokers who had been abstinent for at least the past
6 months (successful quitters). We held 7 focus groups, 3 with continuous smokers and 4 with
relapsers. Focus groups lasted 2 hours and were held at participants' clinics to preserve
confidentiality. We conducted hour-long individual interviews with successful quitters. All
participants completed a brief written survey immediately before their session. Survey items
included questions on demographics, smoking behaviors, and motivation for cessation,
reduction, and nicotine maintenance. We reimbursed all participants $40 and provided a meal
to focus group attendees.

Inclusion Criteria:

Selection criteria included being 18 years or older, smoking 5 or more cigarettes per day
for at least 2 years, and being enrolled continuously in methadone maintenance treatment
(MMT) for at least the past 2 years.

Exclusion Criteria:

Being less than 18 years of age, smoking 4 or fewer cigarettes per day, smoking less than
daily for less than 2 years, and not being enrolled continuously in methadone treatment
for at least the 2 past years.