Behavioral treatment for smokers with a history of alcoholism: Predictors of successful outcome

This study examined baseline predictors associated with smoking abstinence among 205 smokers (113 men, 92 women) with a past history of alcoholism. Th eir mean age was 41.8 years, and 93% were Caucasian. Participants were rand omly assigned to standard treatment (ST), behavioral counseling plus exerci se (BEX), or behavioral counseling plus nicotine gum (BNIC). Factors multiv ariately associated with point-prevalence smoking abstinence at posttreatme nt (I week after target quit date) were a longer duration of prior smoking abstinence and, an interaction between treatment group and having an active 12-step sponsor. ST was more effective for those with an active sponsor, w hereas both BEX and BNIC were more effective for those without an active sp onsor. At 1-year follow-up, independent predictors of point-prevalence smok ing abstinence were a lower Fagerstrom Tolerance Questionnaire score (K. O. Fagerstrom, 1978) and fewer years of smoking.