A Trial of Pre-Quitting Nicotine Replacement Therapy

INTERVENTION: The study is a single blind randomised controlled trial of Nicotine replacement therapy (HABITROL: patches and/or gum)while still smoking for two weeks prior to Quit Day followed by usual practice, versus usual practice. Usual practice comprises an 8 week programme of NRT patches and or gum and support calls (eg Quitline) or face to face visits for other cessation providers (eg Aukati Kai Paipa), commencing on Quit Day. CONDITION: Smoking PRIMARY OUTCOME: Difference in smoking abstinence between the two groups SECONDARY OUTCOME: 1) That the use of NRT in the two weeks prior to quitting followed by standard NRT treatment for eight weeks is more effective than standard NRT treatment alone, on smoking abstinence. 2) That the intervention is cost‐effective 3) That the intervention has no more adverse effects than would be expected with usual treatment. 4) That the period of familiarisation with NRT is the key factor underpinning effectiveness INCLUSION CRITERIA: Participants will be smokers from throughout New Zealand, who are interested in quitting within the next few days or at most within 2 weeks. Participants will be eligible for inclusion in the trial provided that they are eligible for subsidised NRT according to Quitline criteria. These are as follows: at least 18 years of age, have their first cigarette within 30 minutes of waking (a measure of nicotine dependency)have a telephone, and are able to provide consent.