Frequently Asked Questions

Our research study is tailored to your goals. This can include exploring what options are available to help you reduce and/or to quit smoking cigarettes. This information will be helpful to you if you decide to make changes in the future. The trained coaches will help you consider ways to make changes to your smoking that work for you.

Most people who have recently quit will benefit from support and medications to reduce cravings to smoke. We will discuss strategies you can use to reduce the chance of having a slip or a relapse.  This includes nicotine patches and nicotine lozenges to help you stay quit.

You can be using other forms of nicotine and tobacco, but you must have smoked cigarettes in the past 30 days in order to be eligible for the study.  

You have the opportunity to receive up to $100 in gift cards for participating. You will receive $25 each after 3 short surveys ($75 total). For people who have stopped smoking cigarettes at the 6-month survey, you can receive another $25 after completing and sending back your free, at-home breath or saliva test to confirm your smoking status. With our Tango e-gift cards, you have:

• Access to 1,000+ of the most popular stores

• Zero transaction fees

• Instant delivery

Once you enroll, you will receive detailed instructions about how to access your gift cards.  

If nicotine replacement options are not a part of your personalized plan, you will work with your coach to use behavioral strategies that will help you meet your goals. In addition, some people are surprised to learn that having a coach who can give detailed information about the best way to use the patches and lozenges does help to reduce cravings to smoke. Many people find that it is worth giving patches or lozenges another try.  

You will discuss whether or not medications are right for you with your coach and a nurse.

The research study is 6 months long, with your participation taking a maximum of 4 hours during this time. You are will complete several brief coaching calls after you enroll.  There are two brief surveys you will complete -- one at the 3-month point and the final one at the 6-month point.

Our research study is conducted completely over-the-phone. The study information packet, the nicotine patches and lozenges, and the at-home saliva or breath test will be sent to you by mail.

You will receive free coaching over the phone and free nicotine patches and/or lozenges during the first 3 months of the research study.     In months 4 to 6 of the study, you may be assigned, by chance, the opportunity to consider using a prescription medication. If you decide to use a prescription medication, your insurance will be charged for the medication. Depending on your insurance, there may be a copay for the medication. You will not be charged for meeting with the nurse practitioner who will assess whether the medication is appropriate for you and who will prescribe the medication if it is appropriate.

You can participate if you have a referral for lung cancer screening from your MedStar provider.  You are not required to complete the test in order to enroll in this study. However, completing your lung screening test is highly encouraged.