Does Smoking Cigarettes Increase the Chance of Relapse into Illegal Substance Use?
Among people recovering from substance use disorders, those who smoke are more likely to relapse three years later compared to those who do not, according to new findings published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.
Treatment for addiction normally requires those taking part to abstain from all substances, including alcohol, for the duration of the programme. However, treatment for nicotine dependence has not typically been a part of such courses.
Lead author Andrea Weinberger notes: “Our study shows that giving up cigarettes may be even more important for adults in recovery from illicit substance use disorders since it may help them to stay sober.”
A link between smoking and relapse into substance use among those in recovery suggests that the inclusion of tobacco treatment in treatments of illegal drug use may improve the long-term outcomes of such programmes.