Tobacco Packaging - got an opinion?

The UK Government has today launched its consultation on the issue of plain standardised packaging of tobacco products. Any person, business or organisation with an interest is encouraged to respond.

Check the link here

Smartphone Technology and Smoking Cessation

The Smokers’ Clinic team is naturally interested in looking at potential new methods to study nicotine addiction and potential areas for research in smoking cessation. A study done by researchers in the States used a smartphone app to prompt smokers to answer questions about their urge to smoke and if they were smoking at the time. Read the coverage here.

According to the lead author of the paper, “the process of nicotine addiction and withdrawal is a complex mixture of biological, social and psychological factors, and the study's findings reflect how tough it is to break nicotine addiction”.

It is certainly an interesting and novel way to collect data on factors affecting nicotine dependence. Whether the same methodology can be used to actually help smokers quit is another question. Various text messaging and smartphone apps have been tried and more are being developed. A recent paper in the Lancet found a mobile phone based text messaging support system significantly improved outcomes at 6 months.

Be sure to expect more research in this new and growing field in the future.

The Smokers' Clinic - an update

What have we been up to this year so far at the Smokers’ Clinic and what have we got planned for the following months?

The “DENIC” trial has almost drawn to a close; investigating whether cigarettes which contain no nicotine can help people cope more effectively with their urges to smoke. When the data have been analysed we will let you know our findings.

The “TVIN” study continues; investigating whether tailoring the dose of Varenicline (Champix) to the needs of an individual further assists a smoker in quitting. If you are interested in taking part and are available on 26^th or 27^th May to come to our clinic in Whitechapel, London then call us on 0207 882 5722.

We have a trial starting over the next few months investigating nicotine-free electronic cigarettes and whether they can help to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Please call 0207 882 5949 for further information.

The Weight Clinic returns soon with a trial comparing our Weight Action Program (WAP) against standard NHS treatment, more details to follow regarding recruitment, we are expecting it to be popular!

Finally, later this year we will be starting the “NRT-preloading" trial – part of a multicentre study looking at whether using Nicotine Patches  for 4 weeks before quitting will improve abstinence rates.

You may sometimes see our advertisements in the Metro or the Evening Standard for “Smokers wanted”. The same advertisements will be repeated on the blog so keep checking back!

As always, we still offer standard NHS Specialist Stop Smoking support for all smokers who live or work in Tower Hamlets or City & Hackney, and have a variety of times and places you can come along a find out about what is on offer. Call us today on 0207 882 8230 to find out more.