Snus and Alcohol: Mutually Rewarding Effects in the Brain? A Matched Controlled Population Study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Neuroscience
• Addiction Research

Background:

• Moist smokeless tobacco (snus) use is rising globally, particularly among young adults.
• While snus is linked to various health issues, its association with alcohol consumption remains underexplored.
• Neuro-cognitive and psychological theories suggest potential shared reward pathways in the brain that may link snus and alcohol use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between the use of moist smokeless tobacco (snus) and alcohol consumption patterns.
• To compare drinking habits and alcohol consumption levels between snus users and a matched control group of non-users.

Main Methods:

• A matched control group design was employed, comparing 1043 snus users with 1043 age- and gender-matched non-users.
• Data collected included drinking habits, alcohol consumption, education, income, self-perceived general, dental, and mental health, depressive symptoms, and BMI.
• Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used to control for background variables in estimating alcohol consumption.

Main Results:

• Snus users reported lower education, lower income, and poorer general, dental, and mental health compared to non-users.
• Snus users demonstrated a higher frequency of drinking, intoxication, and excess drinking.
• After controlling for covariates, snus users showed significantly higher estimated yearly alcohol consumption (25.2% weekdays, 26.4% weekends) and 60.2% higher excess consumption.

Conclusions:

• Snus users exhibit elevated alcohol consumption and distinct drinking styles compared to non-users.
• Findings suggest potential neuro-cognitive and psychopharmacological mechanisms, including reward learning and conditioning, underlying the observed association.
• Results have significant implications for the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of both alcohol and nicotine dependence.