More than 85 percent of adults with a history of alcohol abuse also sm
oke, and they may be more addicted to nicotine than are smokers withou
t a history of drinking. Alcoholics who smoke also have higher risks o
f cancer and cardiovascular disease, Indeed, it has been reported that
more alcoholics die from tobacco-related diseases than from disorders
related to their alcoholism, The complex interaction that exists betw
een alcoholism recovery and tobacco is discussed. In addition, methods
are presented for helping alcoholics to stop smoking, including motiv
ating patients, using innovative interventions, and matching effective
interventions to the motivational level of the alcoholic. By better u
nderstanding the interaction between alcohol and tobacco, scientists c
an improve treatment outcome and cost-effectiveness for alcoholics who
smoke.