NIH Study Links Smoking Cessation to Better Addiction Recovery Outcomes

Adults recovering from alcohol or drug addiction were more likely to maintain remission if they also quit smoking, according to new findings from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The analysis, based on data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study, found that people who shifted from current to former smokers had 42% higher odds of recovery from non-tobacco substance use disorders.

Researchers reviewed outcomes from 2,652 adults with a history of addiction tracked over four years. The results strengthen prior evidence that addressing tobacco dependence alongside other addictions improves recovery success.

Despite the well-documented health benefits of quitting smoking, tobacco cessation has often been overlooked in substance use treatment. Experts say this study underscores the value of integrating smoking cessation into recovery programs. While further research is needed to confirm causality and identify the best interventions, the findings highlight the importance of treating multiple addictions together.

18-08-2025