Relationship between alcohol and tobacco dependencies among alcohol dependents who smoke

Background: Tobacco and alcohol are the most widely used psychoactive substances. Most of the studies show close relationship between the use of alcohol and smoking. In general population, smokers are more likely to drink than non-smokers. Materials and methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted with 100 alcohol dependents who were taking treatment at two selected de-addiction centres. This study utilised the following measures: (a) socio-demographic data sheet, (b) alcohol and smoking history data sheet, (c) alcohol dependence scale, and (d) Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence. Results: There was a significant correlation between age of onset of smoking with age of onset of alcohol intake, years of alcohol dependence with years of smoking dependence, mean days of drinking with mean days of smoking, and average consumption of alcohol per day with number of cigarettes smoked per day. Conclusion: Alcohol use and smoking are correlated; the link between alcohol and tobacco has important implications for those in the field of alcohol treatment.