The relationship between chronic ethanol exposure and cigarette smoking in the laboratory and the natural environment

Abstract

Few studies have examined the association between ethanol use and cigarette smoking topography. In particular, no study has objectively investigated the relationship between chronic ethanol exposure and cigarette smoking. The aim of this study was to quantify the relationship between cigarette smoking and past and current ethanol use. Male and female cigarette smokers (n=77) between the ages of 30 and 65 years were recruited and grouped as a function of their past and current ethanol use. Group 1 (n=18) included subjects who were ethanol abstinent for the 3 months prior to the study and had no history of alcohol abuse (as defined by DSM-III criteria). Group 2 (n=19) included subjects who were current regular ethanol users and had no history of alcohol abuse. Group 3 (n=20) included subjects who were ethanol abstinent and had a history of alcohol abuse. Group 4 (n=20) included current regular ethanol users with a history of alcohol abuse. A history of alcohol abuse was associated with an intensified pattern of cigarette smoking. Significant differences were observed for total daily smoke exposure, cigarette number, puff number, total puff and inhalation volume, and the nicotine, tar and carbon monoxide yields of the cigarettes smoked. Increased expired-air carbon monoxide and serum cotinine levels were also observed. Current ethanol use was not associated with an increased cigarette smoking pattern. These data suggest that alcohol abusers are at greater risk of contracting cigarette-related pathology.