This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. The purpose of this study is to determine how effective the medication, bupropion-SR, is for treating smoking cessation during early recovery from alcohol dependence. Bupropion-SR is a medication that has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of smoking cessation. We expect that this medication will be useful in initiating smoking cessation, and maintaining abstinence from smoking, among patients in early recovery from alcohol dependence. A vast majority of patients treated for alcohol dependence also smoke cigarettes. Cigarette smoking is associated with serious, preventative health risks, and premature death. Studies have shown that those who are treated for alcohol dependence, and who quit smoking, are also less likely to relapse to alcohol use. Men and women, 18 years of age or older, who meet study criteria for alcohol and nicotine dependence, and who have been abstinent from alcohol for 6 weeks to 6 months, may be eligible to participate. They must state a desire to quit smoking and identify a 'quit date.' In addition, individuals must be able to identify a family member or friend whom we can contact to ask about their alcohol and tobacco use. Individuals cannot participate if they have any history of seizure disorder, severe head trauma, brain tumor, or stroke. Likewise, they cannot participate if they take any medications that may make it inadvisable to take bupropion-SR. Individuals who have a medical or psychiatric illness, or who are currently dependent on, or heavily use other drugs are ineligible. Women who are nursing, pregnant, or likely to become pregnant during this study are also ineligible. A total of 80 subjects will be recruited for this study from Chelsea Arbor Treatment Center. We will admit people who qualify for this study in the order that they complete the initial assessments. By joining this study, you may quit smoking, and, therefore, your overall health may improve. Most importantly, you could possibly improve your chances of sustained sobriety. You will receive regular visits with a therapist, psychiatrist, nurse practitioner, and/or registered nurse to help you with your abstinence from alcohol and cigarettes. Approximately one-half of study participants will be given bupropion-SR, at no cost. Research indicates that you have a greater chance of successfully quitting smoking if you participate in smoking cessation counseling than if you try to quit on your own. Those who are receiving active medication in addition to smoking cessation counseling may have even greater success in quitting.
Showing the most recent 10 out of 1380 publications
