Advancing the science of adolescent tobacco use cessation

Objective: To examine how science is advancing in order to address adolescent tobacco use cessation. Methods: Review of the published scientific literature from 1995 to September 2000 and National Cancer Institute youth tobacco cessation, research portfolio. Results: Because of methodological limitations, results of behavioral interventions are inconclusive. Two studies have been published evaluating the nicotine patch for adolescent smoking cessation, though neither employed a randomized, placebo-control design. Both of these studies found the nicotine patch to be ineffective. Conclusions: Although much is known about youth tobacco use, additional research is needed to find answers to best help youth to quit smoking.