Smoking and Vaping in People With Substance Use Disorders

"More people with addictions die from smoking-related causes than alcohol or their substance use disorders. Quitting and changing status from current to former smoker improves recovery from all addictions. A major study of 2,652 adults with a substance use history in JAMA Psychiatry showed discontinuing smoking was strongly and positively associated with recovery from substance use disorders (SUDs). They also quantified the difference: Smoking discontinuation elevated the odds of substance abuse disorder (SUD) recovery by as much as 42 times, an impressive improvement."

"Dr. Wilson Compton, M.D., deputy director of NIDA and an author on the paper reporting the discovery, stated: "Although the health benefits of quitting smoking are well-known, smoking cessation has not been seen as a high priority in drug addiction treatment programs. These findings bolster support for including smoking cessation as part of addiction treatment." Both Volkow and Compton emphasized that ending smoking should no longer be viewed as peripheral in SUD treatment."

Many addiction treatment programs historically overlooked tobacco use despite higher smoking-related mortality among people with substance use disorders. Quitting smoking shifts status from current to former smoker and improves recovery outcomes across addictions. A national study of 2,652 adults found discontinuing smoking was strongly associated with recovery from substance use disorders, increasing odds of recovery by as much as 42 times. Public health leaders emphasize addressing multiple addictions together and prioritizing smoking cessation within addiction treatment. Recommended interventions include nicotine replacement therapy, varenicline, bupropion, behavioral therapies, and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. Earlier meta-analytic evidence also found smoking-cessation interventions during addiction treatment were associated with improved outcomes.

Read at Psychology Today