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Now Enrolling

  • Have you had a terrifying experience?

  • Are you still haunted by the memory even though you try to forget it?

  • Do you smoke more than 10 cigarettes per day and want to quit smoking cigarettes?

 If you answered "yes" to ALL THREE questions and you are age 18-75 you may be eligible for treatment as part of a research program at the University of Pennsylvania.

In this study we offer state-of-the-art treatment to people who have posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and are regular smokers but want to quit.



Treatments

This study uses two treatments: one for smoking cessation and one that reduces PTSD symptoms. In the smoking cessation part of the treatment people receive a medication called varenicline or Chantix and supportive counseling. In the PTSD part of the treatment people receive Prolonged exposure (PE) therapy which is a very effective psychotherapy for people who continue to suffer form their traumatic experience. Study participants receive either smoking cessation treatment alone, or a combined treatment of medication for smoking cessation treatment plus PE therapy for PTSD. The treatment period lasts for 12 weeks.

Follow-Up

After the 12-week treatment program, there is a 15 week follow-up period. During this period, participants come in for brief check-ups. They also come in for a final evaluation 27 weeks after enrolling in the study. Individuals who did not receive the PE therapy during the study will be offered this therapy at the end of the study if they still have symptoms.

Sponsorship

This study, funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, was awarded to Dr. Edna Foa from the University of Pennsylvania.

Sign Up Now

For more information about participation or for a phone screening, contact us by phone or by email.