Research makes case for treating nicotine dependence concurrently

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) leaders are highlighting new research that they say adds to the body of evidence that nicotine dependence and other substance addictions can be successfully treated at the same time.

A study published Dec. 10 in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that a 10-week course of smoking cessation treatment for a group of cocaine- or methamphetamine-dependent patients significantly increased tobacco quit rates without compromising individuals’ continued participation in stimulant addiction treatment.

Patients in the study received weekly counseling and extended-release bupropion throughout the 10 weeks of the smoking cessation protocol, and also a nicotine inhaler and prize incentives for participation starting in week four.

“These findings, coupled with past research, should reassure clinicians that providing smoking-cessation treatment in conjunction with treatment for other substance use disorders will be beneficial to their patients,” said study lead author Theresa Winhusen, PhD, professor of psychiatry and behavioral neuroscience at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.