Profile of Nicotine Use Among Alcohol Dependent Patients Visiting a Tertiary Care Center in North India

Abstract

Background:Use of tobacco among alcohol dependent population is quite frequent. This co-morbidity increases the risk for various diseases. Understanding the pattern of tobacco use with co-morbid alcohol use may help in planning appropriate prevention/treatment strategies. The study aimed at examining the profile and pattern of nicotine use among alcohol dependent patients visiting a tertiary care treatment center in North India.Materials and Methods:Male patients fulfilling diagnostics and statistical manual of mental disorder fourth edition, criteria for nicotine and alcohol diagnostics and statistical dependence, attending the out-patient department of the tertiary care treatment center were recruited after obtaining informed consent. The socio-demographic profile, drug use history, nicotine associated health problems and general health problem were recorded. Motivation to stop tobacco use was assessed qualitatively using the direct questions about their interest and intentions to quit.Results:A total of 150 subjects were included in the study. The mean age of the study sample was 37.6 ± 10.44 years. Tobacco was reported as the gateway drug in 90% of the cases. Exclusive bidi use reported in 42% of the subjects. Mean duration of bidi and co-morbid alcohol use was higher than cigarette or smokeless tobacco use. Self-reported health problems associated with nicotine use and general health was reported by 41% and 39% of the subjects. Unsuccessful past quit attempts was present in 85% cases. More than 90% of subjects remained interested in quitting the tobacco use. An increased liver enzyme (aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase and gamma-glutamyl transferase) were observed in 43, 32 and 47% of the cases.Conclusion:The results suggest the nicotine and alcohol dependent patients represent a separate population requiring higher attention from the treating physician.

Association of ankyrin repeats & kinase domain containing 1 (ANKK1) gene polymorphism with co-morbid alcohol & nicotine dependence

“…These were consistent with the findings of a study, documenting Taq A1 allele to be significantly associated with higher HSI and FTND scores28. We have earlier reported higher scores among adult smokers with increased beedi /cigarette consumption having lower socio-economic status along with co-morbid alcohol use26.…”

“…In the present study, more than 80 per cent of the participants were educated below secondary level and employed with low or medium monthly income. Previous studies from treatment settings reported advancing age, illiteracy and lower socio-economic status as the major factors to be associated with smoking 26 . The distribution of A1 allele in the present study (23%) was in accordance with earlier Indian studies 14 15 and also from Egypt 23 and studies involving Caucasian populations (18-26%) 27 .…”

Influence of catechol-O-methyltransferase enzyme gene polymorphism on alcohol and tobacco consumption in North Indian treatment seeking population

“…Higher FTND and HSI scores were observed earlier among nicotine users alone[ 26 ] or with co-dominance of alcohol use. [ 17 23 ] These results build the growing evidence base about genetic vulnerability underlying concurrent alcohol and tobacco dependence.…”

Cross-Sectional Study to Estimate Dependence among Tobacco Smokers Attending a Tertiary Care Government Hospital in Bhavnagar, Western India

“…42 Study done in north India call for higher attention of the treatment provider among the nicotine dependent study subjects. 43 Ibrahim et al study was conducted in the Quit Smoking Clinic and counselling were done by the physician and the pharmacist with gum and patch. Study found that the highest rate found in counselling module, followed by counselling with gum and patch module and, counselling with gum module.…”