It is not uncommon for addicts to engage in other harmful and less healthful behaviors outside of drugs and alcohol, like smoking cigarettes. Not only are cigarettes, by themselves, not a healthy coping mechanism or habit, but they can also pose a risk to your recovery. According to one study, there is a strong link between smoking and alcoholism. In specific, the use of cigarettes may be a serious detriment to alcoholics working towards sobriety.

Smokers are Common in Recovery

According to numbers from the CDC, 15.5% of adults throughout the country smoke. Of these smokers, a large majority, over 76% do so daily. For those individuals battling addiction, a study that looked at members of Alcoholics Anonymous in Nashville, Tennessee showed that this group had over 56% of its group actively smoking daily.

Cigarette Smoking and Relapse

According to a study by the Journal of Clinical Psychology, cigarette smoking has a strong association with relapse of substance abuse. Researchers found that those who left a rehabilitation program and remained smoking up to three years after leaving had a 1.5 times greater risk of regression. This was compared to those who left rehab and quit smoking.

Interestingly enough, for individuals who did not smoke before entering a program but started after, the risks of a regression increased dramatically by five times. Every cigarette an individual in recovery smoked each day had an impact on increasing their risk of relapse.

Why Smoking Shows an Increase with Relapse

Many alcoholics or drug addicts tend to have been smokers while they were using. The two poor health habits went hand in hand. This means that a psychological link was made between the two activities, so when one is taken away, the other triggers memories and cravings for what is missing. 

Additionally, studies are currently assessing nicotine exposure as tied to cravings and urge to want opioids and stimulants. Either way, the studies are becoming more clear that nicotine is not only unhealthy by itself, but it is also may be highly risky and detrimental to long-term recovery efforts. Therefore, the conclusion may be that in addition to treatment for substance abuse, a smoking cessation effort is also be helpful during treatment and provides patients with substantial benefits overall.

Finding an In-Patient Recovery Center

Alternative medical detox centers and opiate addiction treatment centers, like Discovery Place in Tennessee, offer very stable and supportive surroundings to help you cope with both the physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal in the most comfortable way. Our beautiful facility is located in the serene countryside of Burns, Tennessee.

We are a nonprofit organization that does not have commissioned staff. Many of our team members are graduates from our program and so they offer a unique perspective and understanding to all individuals who come to begin their journey to recovery with us. To learn more about our programs, call us today at 1-800-725-0922. We are here to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Together, we can help you through a successful recovery.

Testimonials

  • Discovery Place was the answer for my son. He did the 90 day and then the step down program and sober living. We give this organization 10 stars. They met my son where he was …emotionally, mentally, physically. They helped him put his life back on track. Discovery Place employees care about their guests. If your son, brother, nephew, grandson or husband needs excellent supportive care THIS is indeed the facility.

    Kim Morton
    Alumni Parent
  • I have remained sober and it is because of DP. DP is the best place there is, hands down. I keep everyone there in my prayers, and I encourage everyone there to take what they are practicing and do it in their lives, after.

    Roy Mantelli
    Alumni
  • Over the past year, I’ve been putting into actin what Discovery Place taught me, and I have experienced a complete perspective change of the world, and the people in it. I get to be a man of service and love today, and for that I am grateful to Discovery Place.

    Matt Kassay
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place means the world to me. They showed me the tools that I’ve tried to use everyday in my life to think less often of myself, and more frequently of others. I am learning to lend a hand when I am able and to have a honest and humble relationship with God and the people around me. Not only am I clean and sober, but also I am happy and fulfilled.

    Tommy Parker
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place and the men who work there made recovery attractive, and more importantly, fun. There is strength in the struggle. I am forever grateful for my time at Discovery Place.

    Creed McClellan
    Alumni
  • When I got to Discovery Place my whole life was in shambles, but I didn’t know it. I spent 6 months in their programs, participating in all three phases, and was met with kindness and love all along the way. It is unbelievable to me, where I am now relative to where I was when I arrived at DP.

    Lance Duke
    Alumni
  • I can never say enough good things about Discovery Place and the people who work there. Before checking in to DP, I was out of options and out of answers. Fortunately, Discovery Place has a solution. Taking suggestions from the staff at DP saved my life, and as a result, I’m now more content and hopeful about life. I’m grateful for Discovery Place showing me how to live a healthy life so that I can become a better man and help the next guy.”

    Tyler Buckingham
    Alumni

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