A Comparison of Relapse Prevention with Nicotine Gum or Nicotine Fading in Modification of Smoking

Ninety‐two smokers were recruited for smoking cessation groups and assigned to one of three conditions: (a) nicotine fading plus relapse prevention training, (b) nicotine gum plus relapse prevention training, or (c) a minimal contact control. The number of cigarettes smoked, and daily nicotine intake levels, were assessed at pretreatment and posttreatment, and at 3‐ and 12‐month follow‐up. Self‐reports of smoking were validated using saliva thiocyanate assay. No significant differences existed at follow‐up between the groups on rate of abstinence. Both experimental conditions had significantly higher proportions of subjects with sustained smoking reduction than the control group, but did not differ from each other in their long‐term effects. Discussion focused on the desirability of controlled smoking as an intervention goal, the impact on achievement of cessation of including controlled smoking as a goal, and the acceptability to smokers of nicotine gum and nicotine fading as treatment methods.