The Impact of Cigarette Smoking on Stimulant Addiction

OBJECTIVES: Stimulant users smoke cigarettes at high rates; however, little is known about the relationship between tobacco and stimulants. METHODS: Our goal in this article is to synthesize a growing literature on the role of cigarette smoking in stimulant addiction. RESULTS: Early nicotine exposure may influence the development of stimulant addiction. Preclinical and clinical studies suggest a facilitatory role of nicotinic agonists for stimulant addiction. Smoking appears to be associated with more severe stimulant use and poorer treatment outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to assess smoking and smoking-related variables within stimulant research studies to more fully understand the comorbidity. Integrating smoking cessation into stimulant treatment may improve nicotine and stimulant treatment outcomes.