Recovery from alcohol dependence: Do smoking indicators predict abstinence?. (4th April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hufnagel, Anna; Frick, Ulrich; Ridinger, Monika; Wodarz, Norbert
• Is Part Of: American journal on addictions. Volume 26:Number 4(2017)
• Page Start: 366
• Page End: 373
• Publication Date: 2017-04-04
• Subjects: Substance abuse -- Periodicals; Substance abuse -- Treatment -- Periodicals; 616.86005
• DOI: 10.1111/ajad.12535
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1055-0496

Abstract

Abstract : Background and Objectives: There is inconsistent evidence about the potential influence of smoking on recovery from alcohol dependence. Our study aimed at assessing the impact of smoking‐behavior on relapse during a 12 months follow‐up period following a detoxification in patients with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Methods: Three hundred Patients with AUD (74.9% smoking) were recruited from two inpatient detoxification units in psychiatric hospitals in Germany and their alcohol consumption was prospectively followed for 1 year. Data on different indicators of smoking behavior was gathered. Cox regression model was used to evaluate potential risk factors on time to relapse of alcohol consumption. Two hundred seventy‐nine participants ( n = 279) were included in the final analysis. Results: Smoking increased the risk for alcohol relapse (hazard ratio = 3.962, 95% CI 1.582–9.921). However, this increased risk is slightly reduced with higher numbers of daily consumed cigarettes (hazard ratio per cigarette = .986, 95% CI .976–.995). Conclusion: Smoking reduced the probability of maintaining alcohol abstinence significantly, whereas higher number of cigarettes smoked daily diminished the increased risk of alcohol relapse in alcohol‐dependent patients. Scientific Significance: Coordinated psychiatric and substance abuse interventions for different subgroups of patients with AUD in the post‐acute treatment phase are necessary. Individualized treatment planning is especially important in smoking patients with AUD who are vulnerable for a relapse to alcohol drinking and for somatic complications. Our findings might support individualized treatment plans. (Am J Addict 2017;26:366–373)