Smoking's Link to Addiction

We’ve all heard the dangers, seen the commercials and read the Surgeon General’s ominous warning on the sides of cigarette packages. We get it: Smoking is hazardous to your health. But could this nasty nicotine habit show you’re more likely to become a substance abuser as well?

Rates of smoking in people with substance use disorders are consistently three to four times higher than in the general population, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Heavier smoking is also linked to increased drug or alcohol use. As if that weren’t enough, more than two-thirds of the people who abuse drugs also smoke tobacco regularly, a rate that is double that of the general population.

Up to 90 percent of active alcoholics are also cigarette smokers, with heavy smoking almost intrinsically linked to heavy drinking. Users of illicit drugs have smoking rates that are nearly as high, with nearly 90 percent of outpatient substance abuse clients being smokers.

Smoking Detox

Despite the problems smoking causes, there is still some debate over when is the best time for someone with a substance abuse problem to quit. Some experts recommend detoxing from nicotine at the same time as alcohol or illegal drugs. Others suggest waiting until an individual has six months of sobriety under their belt before tackling tobacco use. Studies show that both groups that undergo smoking cessation programs at different times have about the same rate of success, 18 percent, which matches the success rate of the general population of cigarette smokers who try to kick the habit.

If you or someone you know is in need of treatment for drug or alcohol addiction, contact La Paloma's toll-free number, 877-345-1887. Someone is there to take your call 24 hours a day and answer any questions you have.