Table 1 Overview of the interventions

Orientation

Study explanation, structure of sessions and TNP, informed consent, health and smoking, research participation, goal setting, baseline assessment, breath carbon monoxide (CO) and saliva samples.

Same as in the CBT condition. Race and smoking, views on research participation, distrust for biomedical research, concerns about nicotine replacement, goal setting, baseline assessment, breath CO and saliva samples, race-matched clinicians (RMC).

Session 1

Review quit plan, positive reinforcement (PR), reasons for quitting, nicotine addiction, introduction to coping response training model, smoking and motivation, TNP use, plan for next 24 hours, behavioral contracting (BC), CO.

Standard CBT. Meaning of being African American, tobacco and African Americans, menthol, RMC.

Session 2

Review quit plan progress, PR, benefits of quitting, coping skills, plan for next 24 hours, BC, CO.

Standard CBT. Spirituality and religion in the African American community, RMC.

Session 3

Review quit plan progress, PR, stress management, alcohol and smoking, high cost of smoking, plan for next 48 hours, perceived benefits of quitting, BC, CO.

Standard CBT. Stressors unique to African Americans, discrimination and racism, deep breathing exercises, co-morbid addiction, little cigars and blunt use, RMC.

Session 4

Review quit plan progress, PR, negative affect and smoking, cognitive restructuring, decision making, plan for next 72 hours, BC, CO.

Standard CBT. Traditional African American values, buddy system, deep breathing exercise, RMC.

Session 5

Review quit plan progress, PR, review personal high-risk situations, relapse prevention, responding to lapses, plan for next 72 hours, BC, CO.

Standard CBT. Mood and depression among African Americans, deep breathing exercise, RMC.

Session 6

Review quit plan progress, PR, individual high-risk situations, noted benefits of quitting, weight and smoking cessation, minimizing weight gain, relapse prevention, plan for next 7 days, BC, CO.

Standard CBT. Weight and African Americans, smoking and weight concerns (super-gainers), minimizing weight gain (physical activity with limited resources, healthy food choices within soul food diet, recipes), deep breathing, RMC.

Session 7

Review quit plan progress, PR, planning for group termination, a new lifestyle, social support, plan for next 7 days, BC, CO.

Standard CBT. Life in your neighborhood, environmental influences, gaining freedom from smoking, deep breathing exercise, RMC.

Session 8

Review quit plan progress, PR, reflect on group experience, long-term trip-ups, review of coping response training, withdrawal, relapse prevention, TNP schedule, follow-up procedures, BC, CO and saliva samples.

Standard CBT. Body as a temple, resources, mobilizing the African American community against the tobacco industry, deep breathing exercise, RMC.