Chicago, IL – People recovering from alcohol or drug addiction may boost their chances of long-term recovery if they also quit smoking, new federal research suggests.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), adults who stopped smoking cigarettes were significantly more likely to sustain remission from non-tobacco substance use disorders. The findings come from an analysis of more than 2,600 participants in the ongoing Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study.
Researchers found that individuals who transitioned from current smokers to former smokers over a four-year period had 42% greater odds of being in recovery from alcohol or drug addiction. The study, funded by NIH’s National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, analyzed responses from adults nationwide who had a history of substance use disorder.
“We now have strong evidence from a national sample that quitting cigarette smoking predicts improved recovery from other substance use disorders,” said Dr. Nora Volkow, NIDA director. “It underscores the importance of addressing different addictions together, rather than in isolation.”
While the health benefits of quitting smoking are well established, the study’s authors noted that tobacco cessation is often overlooked in addiction treatment programs. Dr. Wilson Compton, NIDA’s deputy director, said the findings support integrating smoking cessation into recovery plans.
Researchers caution that while the data strongly suggest a link, further studies are needed to confirm whether quitting smoking directly improves addiction recovery outcomes. Additional work is also needed to identify the best methods for helping people in recovery stop smoking.
The PATH Study follows youth and adults across the country, whether or not they use tobacco products, to better understand patterns and health impacts over time.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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