Past alcohol problems do not predict worse smoking cessation outcomes

John R. Hughes, Peter W. Callas, J. O. Broughton, S. P. Fortmann, D. K. Hatsukami, S. A. Heatley, J. R. Hughes, D. E. Jorenby, S. J. Leischow, G. R. Lesmes, E. Lichtenstein, J. P. McKenna, S. R. Rennard, R. L. Richmond, W. C. Wadland

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Scopus citations

Abstract

Whether smokers with a past history of alcohol problems are less able to stop smoking and have a greater need for nicotine replacement therapy than smokers without this history is unclear. We conducted a secondary analysis of a prior study (Nicotine Tobacco Res. 1:169) of 1039 smokers randomized to 0, 21, 35 or 42 mg/day nicotine patch for smoking cessation. Because higher dose patches were being tested, only smokers of ≥30 cigs/day were included. Although smokers with current alcohol abuse or dependence were excluded, 15% of the smokers had a past (>1 year ago) Short Alcohol Dependence Data (SADD) score of ≥9 suggesting past alcohol problems. Heavy smokers with a past history of alcohol problems did not relapse sooner, were not less likely to be abstinent and did not benefit more from nicotine treatment or from higher doses than heavy smokers without this history. We conclude that a past history of alcohol problems per se does not predict inability to stop smoking.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)269-273
Number of pages5
JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence
Volume71
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 10 2003

Keywords

  • Alcoholism
  • Nicotine
  • Smoking
  • Tobacco
  • Tobacco use cessation
  • Tobacco use disorder

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Toxicology
  • Pharmacology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health
  • Pharmacology (medical)

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