Urging the alcoholic client to quit smoking cigarettes

Abstract

Cigarette smoking is highly correlated with alcohol abuse. Yet information regarding smoking cessation for alcoholics is largely absent. To begin addressing this gap, 311 alcohol treatment professionals staffing 23 inpatient facilities in Washington state reviewed a list of 8 different time points, including "never," at which an alcohol-involved adult could be urged to quit smoking cigarettes. Respondents first selected those time points at which they favored and then those at which they personally encouraged smoking cessation. One year after the onset of sobriety emerged as the preferred time point. Responses were analyzed according to the treatment staff's self-reported alcohol and smoking status. Staff who described themselves as alcoholics and smokers were significantly less likely than nonalcoholic-nonsmokers to urge smoking cessation efforts.