Treatment of spit tobacco users with transdermal nicotine system and mint snuff

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of nicotine patch and mint snuff (a nonnicotine product) on craving, withdrawal symptoms, and tre atment outcome. This study involved a 2 x 2 factorial design, with Active N icotine Versus Placebo Patch as one of the factors and Mint Snuff Versus No Mint Snuff as the other factor. Spit tobacco users (N = 402, n = 100-101 i n each condition) were randomly assigned to 1 of the 4 treatment conditions for a period of 10 weeks. Treatment outcome was measured up to 61 weeks. T he results showed that the nicotine patch was effective in increasing short -term abstinence over the placebo patch and in reducing craving and withdra wal signs and symptoms from spit tobacco. Although mint snuff was not effec tive in enhancing treatment outcome, it reduced craving and withdrawal symp toms. No interaction effects were observed. Ar this time, the use of the ni cotine patch and mint snuff should be primarily considered for the reductio n of craving and withdrawal symptoms.