Giving Up Smoking Might Make It Easier To Overcome Substance Abuse Disorders: Study

Quitting smoking cigarettes has been shown to significantly improve recovery outcomes for individuals with substance abuse disorders, according to a recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry. The study found that individuals who successfully quit smoking had a 42% increase in the odds of staying in recovery from their addiction to alcohol or drugs.

The habit of smoking cigarettes is particularly common among people struggling with substance abuse disorders. Despite this, smoking cessation interventions are often overlooked in substance abuse treatment programs in the United States. Senior author of the study, Wilson Compton, emphasized the importance of including smoking cessation as part of addiction treatment, noting that the health benefits of quitting smoking are well-known.

Previous research has highlighted the heightened risk of tobacco-related illnesses for individuals with substance abuse disorders, with close to 36% of people in the U.S. who have suffered from substance abuse disorders also being cigarette smokers. The study analyzed data from over 2,500 individuals with a history of substance abuse disorders and found that those who quit smoking had significantly better recovery outcomes year-to-year.

The study’s authors emphasized the need to address tobacco use among individuals with substance abuse disorders, both those actively receiving treatment and those who do not seek treatment. They also suggested population-based approaches to smoking cessation, such as robust tobacco taxes and programs to increase access to care. Additionally, future research should explore the role of other tobacco or nicotine products, such as e-cigarettes, in the recovery process.

Nora Volkow, director of NIH’s National Institute on Drug Abuse, which funded the study, underscored the importance of addressing different addictions together rather than in isolation. The study’s findings support the idea that quitting smoking can lead to improved recovery outcomes for individuals with substance abuse disorders.

The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry in August 2025, adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the integration of smoking cessation interventions into substance abuse treatment programs. By prioritizing smoking cessation as part of addiction treatment, healthcare providers can help individuals with substance abuse disorders achieve better recovery outcomes.