Interventions for Alcoholics Who Smoke

More than 85 percent of adults with a history of alcohol abuse also smoke, and they may be more addicted to nicotine than are smokers without a history of drinking. Alcoholics who smoke also have higher risks of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Indeed, it has been reported that more alcoholics die from tobacco-related diseases than from disorders related to their alcoholism. The complex interaction that exists between alcoholism recovery and tobacco is discussed. In addition, methods are presented for helping alcoholics to stop smoking, including motivating patients, using innovative interventions, and matching effective interventions to the motivational level of the alcoholic. By better understanding the interaction between alcohol and tobacco, scientists can improve treatment outcome and cost-effectiveness for alcoholics who smoke.