Nicotine dependence and withdrawal in alcoholic and nonalcoholic ever-smokers

We compared nicotine dependence and withdrawal in male alcoholic and control ever-smokers, controlling for relevant demographic and clinical variables. Alcoholics were more likely to meet criteria for moderate or severe nicotine dependence and endorse more nicotine dependence symptoms. Symptoms repo...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of substance abuse treatment 1997-11, Vol.14 (6), p.521-527
Main Authors: Marks, Judith L., Hill, Elizabeth M., Pomerleau, Cynthia S., Mudd, Sharon A., Blow, Frederic C.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Addictions
Addictive behaviors
Adult
Adult and adolescent clinical studies
alcohol dependence
Alcoholism
Alcoholism - complications
Alcoholism - diagnosis
Alcoholism - epidemiology
Biological and medical sciences
cigarette smoking
Comorbidity
Ethanol - adverse effects
Humans
Male
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Nicotine
nicotine dependence
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychopathology. Psychiatry
Severity of Illness Index
Smoking - epidemiology
Smoking Cessation
Smoking Prevention
substance abuse
Substance Withdrawal Syndrome - diagnosis
Substance Withdrawal Syndrome - etiology
Tobacco smoking
Tobacco Use Disorder - complications
Tobacco Use Disorder - diagnosis
Tobacco Use Disorder - epidemiology
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Summary:We compared nicotine dependence and withdrawal in male alcoholic and control ever-smokers, controlling for relevant demographic and clinical variables. Alcoholics were more likely to meet criteria for moderate or severe nicotine dependence and endorse more nicotine dependence symptoms. Symptoms reported more frequently by alcoholics included: (a) using nicotine in larger amounts or over a longer time than intended; (b) continued use despite problems caused or exacerbated by nicotine; (c) marked tolerance; and (d) experiencing characteristic nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Alcoholics also smoked more heavily. Other than “headaches,” and “decreased heart rate,” alcoholics consistently endorsed nicotine withdrawal symptoms at a higher rate. After controlling for demographic and clinical variables and level of nicotine dependence, only “feel depressed” differed significantly between groups. Our research supports previous findings suggesting that nicotine dependence is more severe in those with a history of alcohol dependence. As a result, alcoholics may experience greater discomfort from nicotine withdrawal upon smoking cessation.
ISSN:0740-5472
1873-6483
DOI:10.1016/S0740-5472(97)00049-4