Nicotine Replacement Therapy Use Predicts Smoking and Drinking Outcomes among Heavy-Drinking Smokers Calling a Tobacco Quitline

Abstract

Introduction: Suboptimal use of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) may pose a significant barrier to smokers attempting to quit. We examined NRT use as a predictor of smoking abstinence and heavy drinking in a randomised trial of hazardous drinkers who contacted the NY State Smokers' quitline for smoking cessation assistance. Methods: Participants (N = 1,948) received either Tobacco Only Counselling or Alcohol + Tobacco Counselling (ATC), both in addition to a 2-week supply of NRT. NRT use, smoking status, and heavy drinking days were assessed by self-report at the 7-month follow-up. Results: Of those smokers who completed the 7-month follow-up (N = 843), 53.1% used all of the NRT and 40.6% used some. Those who used all of the NRT were more likely to be abstinent from smoking than those who used some, and more likely to report no heavy drinking days than those who used some or none. Conclusions: Approximately half of the heavy drinking smokers calling the quitline are willing to use the 2-week supply of free NRT, and most will at least try it. Those who reported using all of the NRT were more likely to report smoking abstinence and no heavy drinking days at the 7-month follow-up.