SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO – JULY 28, 2018: A man holds a cigarette in his hand in Santa Fe, New Mexico. (Photo by Robert Alexander/Getty Images)
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Quitting smoking cigarettes could help individuals with substance abuse disorders recover from their addiction to alcohol or drugs, according to a recent study. The research revealed a 42% increase in the likelihood of individuals maintaining their recovery from alcohol or drug addiction once they quit smoking.
This is due to the widespread habit of smoking cigarettes among individuals struggling with other addictions. However, the study authors noted that smoking cessation interventions are often lacking in substance abuse disorder treatment facilities in the United States.
Wilson Compton, the senior author of the study and deputy director of the NIH’s National Institute on Drug Abuse, stated in a press release, “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. This finding supports the inclusion of smoking cessation as part of addiction treatment.”
Prior research has shown that individuals with substance abuse disorders are at a higher risk of tobacco-related illnesses compared to those without addiction issues. Despite a decline in cigarette smoking rates in the U.S., approximately 36% of individuals with substance abuse disorders are smokers. The study analyzed data from over 2,500 people with a history of substance abuse disorders and found that those who quit smoking had a 42% higher chance of staying in recovery.
The study emphasizes the importance of addressing tobacco use in individuals with substance abuse disorders and suggests implementing tobacco treatment within healthcare systems. Population-based strategies, such as tobacco taxes and quit line programs, could also aid in the recovery process. The study was published in JAMA Psychiatry in August 2025.
