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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
05:12
Chronic Intermittent Ethanol Vapor Exposure Paired with Two-Bottle Choice to Model Alcohol Use Disorder
Published on: June 23, 2023
Treating smoking dependence in depressed alcoholics
Nassima Ait-Daoud1, Wendy J Lynch, J Kim Penberthy
1Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
Summary
Treatments for comorbid alcohol and nicotine dependence, particularly in those with depression, are crucial. Combining pharmacotherapies like NRT or bupropion with behavioral interventions improves smoking cessation success.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Alcoholism and nicotine dependence share neurobiological pathways, leading to cross-addiction.
- Comorbid depressive illness complicates cessation by intensifying negative affect during abstinence.
- High morbidity and mortality from smoking necessitate effective cessation strategies for dual-diagnosed individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review pharmacotherapeutic and behavioral interventions for smoking cessation in individuals with comorbid alcohol dependence and depression.
- To highlight the need for integrated treatment approaches addressing both substance dependence and psychiatric comorbidities.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical and clinical studies on pharmacotherapies for nicotine dependence.
- Examination of behavioral interventions and their synergistic effects with medications.
- Consideration of special populations and comorbid psychiatric conditions.
Main Results:
- Several pharmacotherapeutic options show promise, including nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), SSRIs, bupropion, and varenicline.
- Topiramate shows potential for smoking cessation in alcoholics, but safety in depressed patients requires further study.
- Behavioral interventions, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy, enhance medication efficacy for nicotine dependence.
Conclusions:
- Integrated treatment combining pharmacotherapy and behavioral interventions is essential for successful smoking cessation in dually dependent individuals with depression.
- Further research is needed for novel treatments and strategies targeting special populations and comorbid psychiatric disorders.
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