Timing of Smoking Intervention in Alcohol Treatment (Nicotine Patch)

Timing of Smoking Intervention in Alcohol Treatment

This study will attempt to determine the best time to begin a smoking cessation program in individuals who undergo intensive treatment for alcohol dependence. The goal of this trial is to determine whether a smoking cessation program is more effective if it occurs at the same time as or after treatment for alcohol dependence. The study also will attempt to determine the effect of smoking cessation programs on the outcome of treatment for alcohol dependence.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Meets criteria for alcohol use disorder and other drug dependence.
• Complete first week of alcohol treatment program.
• Current cigarette smoker (more than 5 cigarettes/day, smoking more than 1 year).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Lifetime diagnosis of an excluding psychiatric disorder: bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or other psychotic disorder, panic disorder with or without agoraphobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, eating disorder, post- traumatic stress disorder, antisocial personality disorder, or borderline personality disorder.
• Unable to participate in protocol due to functional deficits or severe depression.
• Suicidal or homicidal ideation.
• Current use of disulfiram (Antabuse) or naltrexone (Revia).
• Current use of pipes, cigars, or smokeless tobacco and unwillingness to stop.
• Lives more than 100 miles from alcohol treatment facility.
• No telephone.