Relapse is so common among those struggling with an alcohol use disorder that some professional treatment programs explicitly consider relapse to be a normal part of the recovery process. Indeed, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse or Alcoholism (NIAAA), approximately 90% of people with alcohol addiction suffered a relapse within the first four years after completing treatment. An exciting new study suggests that quitting smoking may be a new tool to help alcoholics avoid relapse.
Researchers at the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University in New York City conducted interviews with tens of thousands of recovering alcoholics over a three year period and found that smokers were twice as likely as non-smokers. While the researchers did not reach any conclusion as to why smoking may play such a significant role in relapse, they note that behavioral and brain chemical links between the two substances have been found in earlier research.
While it may be difficult to quit the use of both nicotine and alcohol simultaneously, it is important to remember that substance addictions are progressive diseases that will continue to grow in strength until treatment is sought.
The Asana Recovery Center offers a supervised detoxification and residential treatment program designed to help those at any stage of addiction. Call (949) 438-4504 to learn more about our facilities and find out whether our comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment program may be right for you.
