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Introduction:Results from observational studies suggest that smoking-related cues play a role in triggering relapse. Coping strategies are among the most commonly used cessation strategies, but little is known about how they aid quitting.Aims:The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effect of a suite of selected coping techniques on alleviating cue-induced cravings.Methods:Thirty-seven daily smokers (Intervention: 20; Control: 17) participated in two laboratory cue-reactivity sessions, separated by approximately one week, during which craving was assessed before and after exposure to smoking-related cues. Following the first session, participants in the Intervention Group were taught a suite of coping strategies. During the second session, participants in the Intervention Group were encouraged to use these strategies.Results:Participants in the Intervention Group reported a slight decrease in craving following the acute exposure manipulation at the second session, compared to an increase in craving among participants in the Control Group. Intervention Group participants also reported a decrease in craving following prolonged exposure to the smoking cues (compared to an increase in craving among Control Group participants). In both cases, the difference between groups was more pronounced among smokers who responded to the cue-reactivity manipulation. The observed differences were not significant.Conclusions:The results of this pilot study suggest that coping techniques may be beneficial in alleviating both the initial spike in craving observed following acute cue exposure, and aid recovery during prolonged exposure. These findings need to be replicated in a larger study.

Since its launch as a smoking cessation aid, varenicline use has been linked to a number of serious adverse events, notably the exacerbation of pre-existing psychiatric illness, depressed mood and suicidal ideation. Regulators’ fears have been somewhat allayed by varenicline's status as a prescription only medication. The purpose of this study was to examine the care provided by physicians – or general practitioners – and pharmacists to varenicline users under real-world conditions. Participants were 141 patients who had filled a prescription for varenicline at a participating pharmacy within the previous six-months. Identified patients were mailed a survey to complete that included items on interactions with their physician and pharmacy staff, and knowledge of treatment side-effects. Most participants reported that their physician encouraged them to set a quit date (82.5%) and provided additional cessation materials (57.2%). While most (79.0%) physicians discussed whether varenicline was appropriate for the patient, fewer asked about psychiatric illness (40.1%), or asked to be informed about mood or behaviour change during treatment (48.1%). Participants (78.4%) reported that their physician had discussed a follow-up consultation, but only 59.4% of patients who had finished treatment at the time of the survey reported having one. Most reported discussing potential drug side-effects with their physician (71.0%) and or pharmacist (52.9%); when probed, knowledge was variable. These results suggest that many patients do not receive the level of support that physicians and pharmacists are assumed to provide.