Ceasing Smoking Could Enhance the Recovery Process from Other Frequent Addictions
In a groundbreaking study published in JAMA Psychiatry, researchers led by Wilson Compton found that quitting smoking can significantly increase the odds of sustained recovery from alcohol and other drug addictions[1][2][3]. The study, titled "Cigarette Smoking During Recovery from Substance Use Disorders," highlights the importance of addressing tobacco addiction concurrently with other substance use disorders for improved recovery outcomes.
The primary outcome of the study was Substance Use Disorder (SUD) recovery, assessed via the Global Appraisal of Individual Needs-Short Screener SUD subscale. The research analysed data from over 2,600 adults with SUD histories, demonstrating strong evidence that addressing tobacco addiction alongside other substance use leads to better recovery outcomes[1][3].
The NIH's findings, based on this research, recommend that smoking cessation should be integrated as a routine and essential component of SUD treatment. Key points for integration into standard SUD care include:
- Treat addictions together rather than in isolation. The NIH emphasizes that smoking cessation during addiction treatment enhances the likelihood of remission from other SUDs[1][3].
- Embed smoking cessation support as routine practice across all related healthcare settings, including mental health services. Offering cessation support repeatedly and non-judgmentally throughout recovery encourages greater engagement[4].
- Utilize both counseling and pharmacological approaches (e.g., Nicotine Replacement Therapy [NRT], medications, or approved reduced-risk nicotine products like e-cigarettes) to address physical withdrawal and psychological aspects simultaneously[4][5].
- Recognize the importance of timing and motivation, which may fluctuate, especially in populations with co-occurring mental illness. Support should be offered flexibly across different stages of recovery to accommodate individual readiness[4].
- Expand access to reduced-risk nicotine delivery systems as adjunct cessation aids, especially for socially disadvantaged groups who have higher smoking prevalence and face barriers to traditional cessation products[5].
The study aimed to inform smoking cessation and SUD care by assessing smoking status and SUD recovery over time to determine whether transitioning from current to former smoking is associated with sustained SUD recovery. The study included adults aged 18 years and older, recruited in 2013/2014 and assessed annually over 4 years until wave 4 (2016/2018). A second nationally representative cohort was also assessed in sensitivity analyses. The association remained significant after lagging the predictor by 1 year and in the second cohort assessed from 2016/2018 to 2022/2023[1][3].
The study was conducted on a nationally representative cohort of US adults with a history of Substance Use Disorders from the PATH (Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health) Study. The results of the study suggest that smoking cessation could be used as a tool to assist recovery processes and improve health among adults with an SUD[1][3].
In conclusion, the NIH evidence advocates for routine integration of smoking cessation into SUD treatment protocols, highlighting that quitting smoking is not only beneficial but predictive of improved recovery from other addictions. Treatment programs should prioritize concurrent tobacco cessation interventions tailored to the needs and readiness of individuals, supported by counseling and pharmacological aids, to optimize long-term recovery outcomes[1][2][3][4][5].
