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Individuals with nicotine use disorder (NUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) have higher relapse rates to both substances than patients with one diagnosis. Varenicline, considered the most efficacious smoking-cessation agent, may facilitate drinking reductions, too, regardless of smoking status. Its effects on smoking in actively drinking smokers with AUD has not been studied.
Thirty-three smokers (≥10 cigarettes/day) with active alcohol dependence or abuse and desire to quit smoking were randomized to varenicline (1 mg twice daily) or placebo for 12 weeks. All participants received brief manualized behavioral counseling targeting smoking. At 12 weeks, compared with placebo recipients, varenicline recipients had significantly higher 7-day poi…