Smoking on Cue: A Behavioral Approach to Smoking Reduction.

This article describes a method of smoking reduction based on the theory that smoking is a learned habit controlled by specific environmental cues. To break the connection between these cues and the smoking response, the method requires the individual to smoke on a new cue, presented at random times by a portable signaling device. The substitute cue is initially set at the smoker's normal rate and then gradually phased out. Results of a study to test the feasibility of the method indicate that people can follow the program and reduce their smoking without other forms of therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]