Changes in cigarette smoking among alcohol and drug misusers during inpatient detoxification

Smoking prevalence and changes during inpatient detoxification were examine d among 135 admissions to an inpatient alcohol and drug detoxification unit , of whom 83 (61.5%) were re-inter viewed one week later. Ninety-two per ce nt of the initial sample were currently smokers; 87% of alcohol misusers, 9 7% of drug misusers and 100% of drug/alcohol misusers. Smokers consumed a d aily mean of 27 cigarettes before admission. Those classified as heavy smok ers (smoking 40 or more cigarettes prior to admission) decreased their smok ing levels by an average of 10.5 cigarettes during detoxification. Light sm okers (1-19 cigarettes per day) increased by a daily average of 8.6 cigaret tes and inter mediate smokers (20-39 cigarettes) by 4.9 cigarettes. The fin dings suggest a dose-dependent relationship between cigarette smoking and i npatient detoxification that requires fur ther study. Over three-quarters o f the sample expressed a desire to change their smoking behaviour, many of whom felt they would like help to tackle this change. Given the high smokin g prevalence and reported interest in smoking cessation/reduction, there is an opportunity to address the smoking behaviour of drug and alcohol misuse rs entering inpatient care, whether during or after their detoxification.