Relationship among alcohol use, depression, smoking behavior, and motivation to quit smoking with hospitalized smokers

Relationships among depression, alcohol use, and motivation to quit smoking were examined in a sample of 350 hospitalized smokers. Multivariate multip le regression and logistic regression analyses indicated that participants with depressed mood were more likely to have a history of problematic drink ing. Participants with depressed mood and a history of problematic drinking were more likely to be nicotine dependent and anticipated greater difficul ty refraining from smoking while hospitalized. Alcohol use in heavier amoun ts was associated with a decreased concern with negative aspects of smoking , whereas history of depression was associated with increased concern in th at area, Finally, current drinking was associated with increased confidence in quitting in 1 month whereas depressed mood was associated with decrease d confidence in quitting. Overall, depression and alcohol use had stronger associations with smoking-related variables than with smoking cessation mot ivation variables.