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The current study examined the relation between drinking and smoking abstinence in a community-based sample from the Working Well Trial (WWT). At baseline, drinking level was related to smoking history (never, former, or current smoker; P<.0001) and abstinence history. Mean monthly alcohol consumption increased linearly with decreases in duration of recent abstinence (i.e., longest period quit in the past year among current smokers; P<.05) and current abstinence (i.e., time since quitting among former smokers; P<.0001), even controlling for relevant demographic factors. Among baseline smokers, lower beer consumption predicted smoking abstinence at 4-year follow-up (P<.01). A trend towards significance was found for total alcohol consumption (P=.06). The results suggest (a) a dose–response relation between baseline drinking and duration of smoking abstinence, and (b) that heavier drinkers are less likely to quit smoking over a 4-year period. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The combined use of cigarettes and alcohol is associated with a synergistic increase in the risk of morbidity and mortality. Continued alcohol use during a smoking quit attempt is a considerable risk factor for smoking relapse. As such, there is a need for interventions that address both behaviors concurrently. Mindfulness-based interventions hold much promise for simultaneously addressing tobacco and alcohol use. This pilot study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of a mindfulness-based intervention using a two-arm randomized controlled trial of Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention for Smoking and Alcohol (MBRP-SA) vs Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Interventions were delivered via telehealth in a group setting; all participants received a 6-week supply of the nicotine patch. Participants (N = 69) were adults who smoked cigarettes who reported binge drinking and were motivated to both quit smoking and change their alcohol use. Primary outcomes were feasibility and acceptability of MBRP-SA compared to CBT. Changes in tobacco and alcohol use are also presented. Participants in MBRP-SA and CBT indicated that the treatments were highly acceptable, meeting a priori benchmarks. Feasibility was mixed with some outcomes meeting benchmarks (e.g., recruitment) and others falling below (e.g., retention). Participants in both conditions demonstrated significant reductions in tobacco and alcohol use at the end of treatment. In sum, MBRP-SA had comparable outcomes to CBT on all metrics measured. Future research should evaluate the efficacy of MBRP-SA on smoking abstinence and drinking reductions in a large-scale, fully powered trial. This study was registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03734666). • Both MBRP-SA and CBT were highly acceptable, meeting a priori benchmarks. • Both MBRP-SA and CBT had significant reductions in tobacco and alcohol use. • Telehealth was acceptable as a group-treatment delivery modality. • MBRP-SA had comparable outcomes to CBT on all metrics measured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, many research and clinical teams have transitioned their projects to a remote-based format, weighing the pros and cons of making such a potentially disruptive decision. One key aspect of this decision is related to the patient population, with underserved populations possibly benefiting from the increased reach of telehealth, while also encountering technology barriers that may limit accessibility. Early in the pandemic, our team shifted a group-based, smoking cessation and alcohol modification treatment trial to a remote-based format. Our population included individuals who concurrently wanted to quit smoking and modify their alcohol use. This paper describes technical and logistical considerations of transitioning from in-person to remote-based delivery for group-based treatment, including the impact upon study staff, group facilitators, participants, and the institution. Remotely-delivered group treatment may be valuable not only in response to pandemic-related restrictions, but it may also offer an alternative treatment-delivery modality with independent benefits in terms of population reach, costs, and pragmatics for clients, staff, and institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]