Simultaneous versus delayed treatment of tobacco dependence in alcohol-dependent outpatients

There is a high prevalence of smoking among heavy drinkers, which is often forgotten even though it has important health consequences.

To evaluate the effects that providing an intensive tobacco cessation treatment simultaneously with alcohol dependence treatment versus delayed treatment (first alcohol and 6 months later tobacco) has on alcohol and tobacco consumption.

Ninety-two alcohol-dependent smokers were randomized into either a simultaneous group, in which treatment was given concurrently for quitting both alcohol and tobacco, or a delayed group, in which help to quit smoking was given after 6 months.

No differences were found in alcohol abstinence rates in time-to-first relapse or in cumulative abstinence at 6 months. Smoking cessation rates were low overall, but better at 3 months in the simultaneous group, although differences later disappeared.

Participation in a smoking cessation program does not impair alcohol outcomes, at least during the first 6 months.