Characteristics of Alcoholic Smokers, Nonsmokers, and Former Smokers: Personality, Negative Affect, Alcohol Involvement, and Treatment Participation

Abstract

Introduction: Previous research has indicated that smoking behavior in the general population is linked to personality traits such as behavioral undercontrol and negative emotionality, but it is unknown whether these traits pertain to alcoholic smokers. Further, prior research has not established whether alcoholic smokers differ from their nonsmoking counterparts in terms of alcohol involvement severity and treatment participation. Exploration of these associations is important, given the high prevalence of cigarette smoking among alcoholics.Methods: Treatment-seeking alcoholics were categorized into daily cigarette smokers ( n = 76), nonsmokers ( n = 34), and former smokers ( n = 33). These groups were compared on personality traits, negative affect, alcohol involvement, and alcohol outpatient treatment participation.Results: All three groups scored similarly on a variety of personality traits (e.g., extraversion and neuroticism), and on most aspects of negative affect, with the exception of anxiety (smokers scored higher than nonsmokers and former smokers). In terms of alcohol involvement, alcoholic smokers reported greater negative drinking consequences and alcohol physical dependence relative to former smokers, even considering that alcoholic smokers had relatively more abstinent days. Finally, alcoholic smokers attended considerably fewer alcohol outpatient treatment sessions relative to both nonsmokers and former smokers. Conclusions:Common risk factors for both alcoholism and smoking behavior, such as personality traits and negative affect, may obscure personality differences between smokers and nonsmokers in an alcohol treatment sample. Furthermore, fi ndings suggest that current nicotine use among alcoholics is associated with greater anxiety and severity of alcoholism than among their former-smoking counterparts.

Multidimensional alcoholism typologies: could they guide clinical practice? Results from a 3-month prospective study

“…We might hypothesize that conditions such as the rapid disease course (early onset of alcohol abuse), the history of externalizing behaviors, and the probable familiarity with drug treatment centers may explain why these patients have a need to seek medical treatment for alcohol dependence earlier than other phenotypes. Studies report that this type of clinical profi le seems to interfere in the development, duration, adherence, and prognosis of alcohol use disorder treatment even aft er controlling for distinct behavioral/personality traits, psychiatric comorbidities, and cognitive disabilities (Walitzer and Dearing 2013;Ibabe et al 2014). Poor compliance to treatment in Cloninger type II patients was also observed in research (von Knorring et al 1985).…”

Tobacco Smoking Among Male and Female Alcohol Treatment-seekers: Clinical Complexities, Treatment Length of Stay, and Goal Achievement

“…For example, data exist suggesting that alcohol treatment seekers who smoke may exhibit a greater severity of alcohol problems and dependence relative to those who do not smoke (e.g., Walitzer & Dearing, 2012). This finding appears to be attributable to negative synergistic effects between nicotine and ethanol (Campbell, Taylor, & Tizabi, 2006; Lapin, Maker, & Bhardwaj, 1995).…”

“…Research has shown smoking to have a negative association with alcohol treatment participation (Satre, Kohn, & Weisner, 2007; Walitzer & Dearing, 2012) and alcohol treatment outcome (Hintz & Mann, 2007; Kohn, Tsoh, & Weisner, 2003; Mason & Lehert, 2009; Satre et al, 2007). In terms of alcohol treatment participation, Walitzer and Dearing (2012) compared alcohol outpatient smokers, non-smokers, and former smokers in a controlled trial that included 12 sessions of outpatient alcohol treatment.…”

“…In terms of alcohol treatment participation, Walitzer and Dearing (2012) compared alcohol outpatient smokers, non-smokers, and former smokers in a controlled trial that included 12 sessions of outpatient alcohol treatment. Smoking status was assessed at time of admission.…”

Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in the Ventral Tegmental Area are Important Targets for Nicotine and Ethanol Co-dependence

“…The most common type of polydrug use is alcohol and tobacco taken in concert [11,12]. The magnitude of tobacco smoking is extremely high among alcoholics [13] and is drastically higher than the rate in the general population [14,15]. Those who smoke are ten times more likely to be alcoholics than those who do not [16].…”