Concomitant treatment of tobacco dependence during the admission for detoxification of other drug of abuse: evaluation at 6 months follow-Up after discharge

Abstract

Most patients with substance use disorders are also heavy tobacco smokers, which imply an important mortality risk factor. Therefore, providing a treatment for nicotine dependence in the context of the treatment of other substance use disorders is recommended in many treatment guidelines. However, it is not clear that the concomitant treatment of nicotine dependence during the admission for detoxification of other drug of abuse, will improve the smoking cessation after the hospital discharge.The aim of this study was to evaluate the tobacco use characteristics in terms of nicotine dependence severity, and motivation to quit smoking, in patients admitted to a detoxification unit, at baseline and at 6 months follow-up after discharge.A total of 62 patients were assessed, the 94% presented concomitant nicotine dependence, and the 93% of them needed during their admission treatment with nicotine replacement therapy. Nicotine dependence severity was assessed with the Fagerström test, and tobacco use and motivation to quit smoking were assessed by the Richmond questionnaire. After discharge, only two patients maintained nicotine abstinence for more than 90 days without specific treatment for nicotine dependence. Nevertheless, at six months follow-up, the dependence severity decreased and patients showed a medium motivation to quit smoking. Providing specific treatment for nicotine dependence after detoxification to prevent new relapses should be integrated in addiction treatments.