NIH

Breaking the habit: Does smoking cessation support broader addiction recovery?

August 14, 2025

Adults with substance use disorders who quit smoking cigarettes were significantly more likely to achieve sustained remission from alcohol or other drug addiction, according to NIH researchers analyzing data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study. The analysis found that individuals who transitioned from current to former smokers had 42% greater odds of being in recovery from non-tobacco substance use disorders. These findings support integrating smoking cessation into addiction treatment, as addressing multiple addictions simultaneously may enhance recovery outcomes.

Previous studies have hinted at this connection, but many relied on data from single-substance treatment centers or smoking cessation trials. This new analysis, based on a nationally representative sample of 2,652 adults over four years, accounts for numerous confounding factors and strengthens the evidence base. While the results are strongly suggestive, researchers emphasize the need for further studies to confirm causality and identify effective strategies for supporting smoking cessation in addiction recovery settings.

Source:

(2025, August 13). National Institutes of Health. Quitting smoking is associated with recovery from other addictions. https://www.nih.gov/quitting-smoking-associated-recovery-other-addictions