Addressing tobacco use in the context of opioid use disorder: A systematic review of smoking cessation interventions.
Suprit Parida, Victoria Ameral, Noah Wolkowicz et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review examined smoking-cessation interventions for people with opioid use disorder (OUD), a population with high rates of tobacco use disorder and lower treatment response than the general population. It identified 25 studies: 9 of pharmacological treatments, 5 of behavioral treatments, and 11 of combined approaches. Pharmacological treatments were generally ineffective, and no study reported continuous abstinence at 6 months after the quit date. Contingency management showed some promise, but smoking commonly resumed after incentives ended. Overall, the review found limited evidence of durable, effective cessation strategies for people with OUD.
Key findings
- The review included 25 studies: 9 pharmacological, 5 behavioral, and 11 combined-treatment studies.
- Pharmacological treatments were generally ineffective for smoking cessation among people with OUD.
- No included study reported continuous abstinence at 6 months post-quit date.
- Contingency management showed some promise, but smoking largely resumed after incentives were removed.
Why it matters
Tobacco use is common among people with OUD, yet the reviewed evidence suggests that established cessation approaches have not reliably produced lasting abstinence in this population. The findings highlight a gap in durable treatment options and the challenge of sustaining cessation when behavioral incentives end.
What to keep in mind
The review found no studies reporting continuous abstinence at 6 months post-quit date, limiting evidence about long-term cessation outcomes.