Simultaneous versus Delayed Treatment of Tobacco Dependence in Alcohol-Dependent Outpatients

INTRODUCTION: There is a high prevalence of smoking among heavy drinkers, which is often forgotten even though it has important health consequences. AIM: 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. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. DISCUSSION: Participation in a smoking cessation program does not impair alcohol outcomes, at least during the first 6 months.