Behavioral treatment for smokers with a history of alcoholism: Predictors of successful outcome

This study examined baseline predictors associated with smoking abstinence among 205 smokers (113 men, 92 women) with a past history of alcoholism. Their mean age was 41.8 years, and 93% were Caucasian. Participants were randomly assigned to standard treatment (ST), behavioral counseling plus exercise (BEX), or behavioral counseling plus nicotine gum (BNIC). Factors multivariately associated with point-prevalence smoking abstinence at posttreatment (1 week after target quit date) were a longer duration of prior smoking abstinence and an interaction between treatment group and having an active 12-step sponsor. ST was more effective for those with an active sponsor, whereas both BEX and BNIC were more effective for those without an active sponsor. At 1-year follow-up, independent predictors of point-prevalence smoking abstinence were a lower Fagerström Tolerance Questionnaire score (K. O. Fagerström, 1978) and fewer years of smoking.