Research strongly indicates that alcohol and drug use is much greater among smokers than non-smokers.

According to a recent research update from the Butler Center for Research and Learning at the Hazelden Institute, among those who are alcohol and drug dependent, 71% to 97% are smokers.

The results from the 1997 National Household Survey , conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reveals a strong link between smoking and drug/alcohol use. This survey showed that the number of smokers in the U.S. who also use alcohol

One study showed that those who did not use tobacco had a significantly higher rate of recovery from drugs and alcohol over a 12-month period.

heavily is over six times greater than non-smokers with heavy alcohol use (heavy alcohol use refers to drinking five or more drinks on five or more days in past month.)

The number of marijuana users who also smoke tobacco was seven times greater than marijuana users who do not smoke tobacco. Those using other illicit drugs were five times more likely to be smokers than non-smokers.

Several studies have been conducted in recent years to determine whether smoking has an impact on alcohol and drug addiction recovery rates.

One study showed that those who did not use tobacco had a significantly higher rate of recovery from drugs and alcohol over a 12-month period.

1 Another recent study found that smoking increased the risk of relapse among recovering alcoholics.

2 Overall, the research appears to indicate that, rather than threatening drug and alcohol recovery, smoking cessation may actually increase the likelihood of abstinence.

 1. Stuyt, E. B., Recovery rates after treatment for alcohol/drug dependence: Tobacco users vs. non-tobacco users (1997). The American Journal on Addictions 6 (1) 159-167.

2. Sobell, L.C. and Sobell, MB., (1996) Alcohol abuse and smoking . Alcohol Health and Research World (20) 2, 124-127.