Concurrent treatment for alcohol and tobacco dependence: are patients ready to quit both?

Pubmed ^ | 1/24/03 | Stotts AL, Schmitz JM, Grabowski J.

[qam1]

Concurrent treatment for alcohol and tobacco dependence: are patients ready to quit both?

Stotts AL, Schmitz JM, Grabowski J.

Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, U.T. Mental Sciences Institute, Substance Abuse Research Center, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, 1300 Moursund Avenue, 77030, Houston, TX, USA

The prevalence of smoking among alcohol abusers is high, yet little is known about this dual-dependency. This study examines mechanisms involved in changing both alcohol and tobacco use concurrently using the transtheoretical model (TTM) measures of change. Alcohol and tobacco dependent outpatients (N=115) entering a dual-substance dependence program were compared on baseline measures of motivation, self-initiated change activities, and self-efficacy associated with each substance use behavior. Differences on these measures were expected for drinking versus smoking. Motivation to change each behavior was also examined as a potential predictor of retention in treatment. Results indicated that patients reported higher self-efficacy to abstain and lower temptation to use alcohol relative to cigarettes. Change activities were also initiated at higher levels for drinking compared with smoking. An interaction between drinking and smoking motivation for change was found in the prediction of treatment retention; those with higher motivation for changing their alcohol use and lower motivation to quit smoking remained longer in treatment, while those who were higher in motivation for changing both behaviors dropped out the earliest. Overall, participants in this dual-dependence program were more confident and active in changing their alcohol use. Initiating cessation of both behaviors equally and simultaneously may prove difficult for this population. This study initiates an understanding of the mechanisms involved in changing alcohol-tobacco dependence and may provide guidance for developing dual cessation interventions.

PMID: 12536060 [PubMed - in process]

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[qam1]

Here is one you won't see in the mainstream media.

Another study showing that smoking may not always be bad and evil and god forbid it may actually be benefical in some circumstances.

The key statement in this study of course is

..those with higher motivation for changing their alcohol use and lower motivation to quit smoking remained longer in treatment, while those who were higher in motivation for changing both behaviors dropped out the earliest.

Unfortunately due to all the anti-smoking hysteria going on the authors chickened out at the end and recommended the use this study as a "Guide" for developing further dual cessation programs when in fact the obvious conclusion of the study is that alcoholics (and I am assume drug addicts also) seeking treatment who smoke should be encouraged to continue to do so.

[Max McGarrity]

Good find. Thanks.

[keithtoo]

If they were to eliminate smoking and coffee from AA meetings, I fear that almost nobody would show up.

One addiction at a time.

[BenLurkin]

Concurrent treatment for alcohol and tobacco dependence:
Isn't that what the Taliban were after?

[ozone1]

We've had problems of "dual detox" patients walking out the door at our place. The incidence seems higher since they banned smoking. But they just ignore this. The current response to the high incidence of failure is to consider shutting down the unit. Makes a whole lot of sense.

[qam1]

hmmmm. I wonder what AA does when they want to hold their meetings in public places in smoker hostile areas like California, NYC, Delaware, etc???

Unfortunately I see a day coming soon when smoking is the addiction they go after first especially since in today's screwed up world where ex-druggies/alcoholics are often treated like heros. I can picture it "Here is some Heroin and some free needles to tide you over while you stop that drity smoking habit of yours"

[uncbob]

Alcohol addiction
We need a WOA a War On Alcohol
Oh wait we already had one of those
Didn't work

[Bahbah]

The site is called "pubmed"? That is just delightful.

[qam1]

Didn't work

That Never stopped the health Nazis/Neo-puritans/Prohibitionist and other fun hating people from trying over & over again.

[rface]

I couldn't quit smoking because every time I went out drinking, I'd get drunk and smoke.....

I had to quit drinking before I quit smoking -

Now: 8 years sober and 7 years no smoking (but I cheat with a cigar 2-3 times a year - don't tell my wife)

[Dasaji]

I had a friend end up in a non-smoking detox...between jonesin' for a drink AND a smoke, it was only three days before she walked out.

Who are the idiots who make these rules? Are they nuts?

[templar]

Why not do it right and give up coffee too.

[Max McGarrity]

Who are the idiots who make these rules? Are they nuts?

In a word, yes.

[MrLeRoy]

Alcohol addiction
We need a WOA a War On Alcohol
Oh wait we already had one of those
Didn't work

Doesn't matter---it kept LEOs and bureaucrats employed and gave moralistic socialists something to feel good about.