scholarly journals Alcohol Use Intensity Decreases in Response to Successful Smoking Cessation Therapy

Genes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 2
Author(s):  
Robert Philibert ◽  
Kelsey Dawes ◽  
Willem Philibert ◽  
Allan M. Andersen ◽  
Eric A. Hoffman

Smokers frequently drink heavily. However, the effectiveness of smoking cessation therapy for those with comorbid alcohol abuse is unclear, and the content of smoking cessation programs often does not address comorbid alcohol consumption. In order to achieve a better understanding of the relationship between changes in rate of smoking to the change in intensity of alcohol consumption, and the necessity for alcohol-specific programming for dual users, we quantified cigarette and alcohol consumption in 39 subjects undergoing a 3-month contingency management smoking cessation program using recently developed DNA methylation tools. Intake alcohol consumption, as quantified by the Alcohol T Score (ATS), was highly correlated with cg05575921 smoking intensity (adjusted R2 = 0.49) with 19 of the 39 subjects having ATS scores indicative of Heavy Alcohol Consumption. After 90 days of smoking cessation therapy, ATS values decreased with the change in ATS score being highly correlated with change in cg05575921 smoking intensity (adjusted R2 = 0.60), regardless of whether or not the subject managed to completely quit smoking. We conclude that alcohol consumption significantly decreases in response to successful smoking cessation. Further studies to determine whether targeted therapy focused on comorbid alcohol use increases the success of smoking cessation in those with dual use should be explored.

Genes ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 1415
Author(s):  
Robert Philibert ◽  
James A. Mills ◽  
Jeffrey D. Long ◽  
Sue Ellen Salisbury ◽  
Alejandro Comellas ◽  
...  

Smoking is the largest preventable cause of mortality and the largest environmental driver of epigenetic aging. Contingency management-based strategies can be used to treat smoking but require objective methods of verifying quitting status. Prior studies have suggested that cg05575921 methylation reverts as a function of smoking cessation, but that it can be used to verify the success of smoking cessation has not been unequivocally demonstrated. To test whether methylation can be used to verify cessation, we determined monthly cg05575921 levels in a group of 67 self-reported smokers undergoing biochemically monitored contingency management-based smoking cessation therapy, as part of a lung imaging protocol. A total of 20 subjects in this protocol completed three months of cotinine verified smoking cessation. In these 20 quitters, the reversion of cg05575921 methylation was dependent on their initial smoking intensity, with methylation levels in the heaviest smokers reverting to an average of 0.12% per day over the 3-month treatment period. In addition, we found suggestive evidence that some individuals may have embellished their smoking history to gain entry to the study. Given the prominent effect of smoking on longevity, we conclude that DNA methylation may be a useful tool for guiding and incentivizing contingency management-based approaches for smoking cessation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yunlong Lu ◽  
Yan Guo ◽  
Hefeng Lin ◽  
Zhen Wang ◽  
Liangrong Zheng

Abstract Background The causality between the use of alcohol and cigarettes and atrial fibrillation (AF) remains controversial. We conducted a Mendelian randomization (MR) study to evaluate the association of genetic variants related to tobacco and alcohol use with AF. Methods Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to smoking initiation (N = 374), age at initiation of regular smoking (N = 10), cigarettes per day (N = 55), and smoking cessation (N = 24) were derived from a genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of tobacco use (N = 1.2 million individuals). SNPs related to heavy alcohol use (N = 6) were derived from a GWAS of UK biobank (N = 125,249 individuals). The genetically matching instrumented variables were obtained from the GWAS of AF (N = 588,190 individuals). The estimates between tobacco and alcohol use and AF were combined by inverse-variance weighted (IVW), simple median, weighted median, MR-robust adjusted profile score method, MR-PRESSO, and multivariable MR. Results A total of 65,446 AF patients and 522,744 referents were included. In the IVW analysis, the odds ratio per one-unit increase of smoking initiation was 1.11 (95% CI, 1.06–1.16; P = 3.35 × 10−6) for AF. Genetically predicted age at initiation of regular smoking, cigarettes per day and smoking cessation were not associated with AF. The IVW estimate showed that heavy alcohol consumption increased AF risk (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.04–1.18; P = 0.001). The results were consistent in complementary analyses and multivariable MR. Conclusion Our MR study indicated that regular smoking was associated with increased risk of AF, no matter the age at initiation of regular smoking, or the number of cigarettes smoked per day. Genetically predicted heavy alcohol consumption increased the risk of AF.


2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (8) ◽  
pp. 1058-1064 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krystal L Lynch ◽  
Jenny E Twesten ◽  
Alexandra Stern ◽  
Erik M Augustson

Abstract Introduction The negative association between heavy alcohol use and likelihood of successful smoking cessation is well established. However, evidence on the effects of moderate alcohol consumption on smoking cessation is sparse. This analysis evaluated the association between alcohol use and smoking and the interaction of alcohol use and use of pharmacotherapy interventions in relation to smoking cessation. Methods Data from adults (n = 923) recruited through a smoking cessation website between November 2011 and March 2012 were analyzed. Data on past-year alcohol use, tobacco use, and demographics were collected at baseline. Self-reported smoking abstinence and current alcohol use data were collected at 1 and 7 months posttreatment. Chi-square and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results At 1 month, adjusted odds of continued smoking were 1.54 times greater (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.05% to 2.23%) for moderate drinkers and 2.59 times greater (95% CI = 1.33% to 4.28%) for heavy drinkers than nondrinkers. At 7 months, adjusted odds of continued smoking were not greater for moderate drinkers than nondrinkers, and were 2.32 times greater (95% CI = 1.35% to 3.96%) among heavy alcohol drinkers than nondrinkers. At 1 month, adjusted odds of smoking cessation were 2.33 times greater (95% CI = 1.04% to 3.09%) for alcohol users assigned to nicotine replacement therapy than for those not assigned to nicotine replacement therapy. This relationship was not observed at 7 months. Conclusions Moderate and heavy drinking might impact smoking cessation efforts. Recent moderate drinking may be associated with short-term continued smoking and heavy drinking associated with relapse in the short and long term. Implications This study suggests that moderate drinking may influence the process to quit smoking. Further study is needed to better understand the implications of moderate drinking for smoking cessation. Providing information alone may not be effective in helping people abstain from drinking during smoking cessation, especially if moderate drinkers do not perceive their behavior as reducing their chance for a successful quit attempt. Tailoring smoking cessation interventions to include strategies to reduce moderate-to-heavy alcohol consumption may improve smoking cessation outcomes among alcohol users attempting to quit smoking.


Author(s):  
Hai Minh Vu ◽  
Tung Thanh Tran ◽  
Giang Thu Vu ◽  
Cuong Tat Nguyen ◽  
Chau Minh Nguyen ◽  
...  

Traffic collisions have continuously been ranked amongst the top causes of deaths in Vietnam. In particular, drinking has been recognized as a major factor amplifying the likelihood of traffic collisions in various settings. This study aims to examine the relationship between alcohol use and traffic collisions in the current context of Vietnam. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 413 traffic collisions patients in six health facilities in the Thai Binh Province to investigate the level of alcohol consumption and identify factors influencing alcohol use among these patients. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C) scale was used to determine the problematic drinking behavior of the participants. The percentage of patients having problematic drinking was more than 30%. Being male, having a high household income, and working as farmer/worker were risk factors for alcohol abuse. People causing accidents and patients with a traumatic brain injury had a higher likelihood of drinking alcohol before the accidents. This study highlights the necessity of more stringent laws on reducing drink-driving in Vietnam. In addition, more interventions, especially those utilizing mass media like educational campaign of good behavior on social networks, are necessary to reduce alcohol consumption in targeted populations in order to decrease the prevalence and burden of road injuries.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 249
Author(s):  
Luca Flesia ◽  
Valentina Fietta ◽  
Carlo Foresta ◽  
Merylin Monaro

To date, the relationship between alcohol use and dating app use has been investigated mostly in conjunction with sexual activities and in homosexual men. For this reason, the aim of this study was to explore the association between dating app use and alcohol consumption among the general population. A cross-sectional study was conducted including app users, non-users, and former users: 1278 respondents completed an online ad hoc questionnaire assessing dating app use, motivations for installing dating apps, alcohol use, and demographics. Multiple logistic regression analysis was run to investigate the association between dating app use, demographic features, and alcohol consumption. Whereas educational level, age, and gender significantly contributed to the regular consumption of alcohol, dating app use did not account for a significant amount of variance between regular and not regular drinkers. However, people who installed and used dating apps with the motivation of searching for sexual partners were more likely to be regular drinkers. Among the active users, heavy app users were less likely to drink regularly. The study indicates that underlying factors (sexual aspects, motives for using the apps) and the intensity of using the apps may mediate the relationship between dating app use and alcohol use.


Circulation ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 116 (suppl_16) ◽  
Author(s):  
Donna M Buchanan ◽  
Surya Mundluru ◽  
James H O’Keefe ◽  
Kimberly J Reid ◽  
Fengmeng Tang ◽  
...  

Background: Prior studies show light to moderate alcohol use is associated with reduced mortality and cardiovascular events, whereas heavy use increases mortality and cardiovascular risks. The association of alcohol use and post-myocardial infarction (MI) symptoms is unknown. We explored the association between alcohol use and risk of having angina 1 year after an MI. Methods: Upon enrollment in the 19-center prospective PREMIER registry, acute MI patients (n=2481) were asked about alcohol use. Angina (any vs. none) was assessed at 1 year with the Seattle Angina Questionnaire. The association of alcohol use and 1-year angina was modeled using a hierarchical multivariable modified Poisson regression model. Results: Overall, 47% reported never drinking and others reported having the following # of drinks/day: 42% < 1; 6% 1 to 2; 3% > 2 to 4; 2% > 4. After adjusting for demographic, clinical, and treatment variables, patients that reported never drinking were 45% more likely to have angina than moderate drinkers (1 to 2 drinks/day). However, > drinks/day was associated with an 81% greater risk of angina than moderate alcohol use. Those drinking < 1 drink/day or > 2 to 4 per day had similar angina risk compared to moderate drinkers. Results did not vary by gender (p > .05 for interaction). Conclusions: This study extends prior evidence of a dose-dependent relationship between alcohol use and other cardiovascular benefits/risks to post-MI angina. Moderate alcohol consumption (1 to 2 drinks/day) was associated with reduced risk of angina 1 year after MI compared to abstinence or heavy alcohol consumption. Excessive alcohol use (>4 drinks/day) was associated with increased risk of angina.


1986 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 637-648
Author(s):  
Thomas S. Weinberg

This paper discusses the interaction between alcohol use and love relationships among a sample of male homosexuals. Alcohol use is ubiquitous in the gay world, affecting couples as well as single men. Love relationships appear to reduce bar attendance, but do not necessarily affect alcohol consumption. Drinking may be encouraged through participation in a closed circle of coupled associates, through adoption of an “elegant” lifestyle, by involvement with an older, more sophisticated lover or with a partner who is a bartender. In addition, stresses and strains in a relationship, often the result of unclear role definitions and consequent power and equality issues, may increase drinking. Reductions in alcohol use were often the result of feeling secure in the relationship. Drinking, which is often encouraged, or at least not discouraged in the gay subculture, may lead to the dissolution of a couple.


2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (8) ◽  
pp. 1135-1139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grace Crawford ◽  
Jessica Weisbrot ◽  
Joseph Bastian ◽  
Alex Flitter ◽  
Nancy C Jao ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction The degree to which smokers adhere to pharmacotherapy predicts treatment success. The development of interventions to increase adherence requires identification of predictors of treatment adherence, particularly among specific clinical populations. Methods Using data from a 12-week open-label phase of a clinical trial of varenicline for tobacco dependence among cancer patients (N = 207), we examined: (1) the relationship between self-reported varenicline adherence and verified smoking cessation and (2) demographic and disease-related variables, and early changes in cognition, affect, withdrawal, the reinforcing effects of smoking, and medication side effects, as correlates of varenicline adherence. Results At the end of 12 weeks, 35% of the sample had quit smoking and 52% reported taking ≥80% of varenicline. Varenicline adherence was associated with cessation (p &lt; .001): 58% of participants who were adherent had quit smoking versus 11% of those who were not. Participants who experienced early reductions in depressed mood and satisfaction from smoking and experienced an increase in the toxic effects of smoking, showed greater varenicline adherence (p &lt; .05); the relationship between greater adherence and improved cognition, reduced craving, and reduced sleep problems and vomiting approached significance (p &lt; .10). Conclusions Among cancer patients treated for tobacco dependence with varenicline, adherence is associated with smoking cessation. Initial changes in depressed mood and the reinforcing effects of smoking are predictive of adherence. Implications The benefits of varenicline for treating tobacco dependence among cancer patients may depend upon boosting adherence by addressing early signs of depression and reducing the reinforcing dimensions of cigarettes.


2021 ◽  
Vol 41 (9) ◽  
pp. 267-271
Author(s):  
Mélanie Varin ◽  
Elia Palladino ◽  
Kate Hill MacaEachern ◽  
Lisa Belzak ◽  
Melissa M. Baker

Introduction Reporting on alcohol use among women of reproductive age in Canada addresses a major gap in evidence. Methods We assessed the prevalence of weekly and heavy alcohol consumption among women aged 15 to 54 years by sociodemographic characteristics, province of residence and concurrent use of other substance(s) using data from the 2019 Canadian Community Health Survey. Results Of the target population, 30.5% reported weekly and 18.3% reported heavy alcohol consumption in the past year. Prevalence varied by sociodemographic characteristics, province and substance use. The most notable and significant differences were to do with cannabis use and smoking. Conclusion This information can guide health care providers in assessing alcohol consumption and in promoting low-risk alcohol drinking to prevent alcohol exposure during pregnancy.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document