Quitting Smoking May Improve Addiction Recovery, Study Finds

New national evidence suggests treating tobacco use alongside other addictions can significantly increase the chances of recovery.

In addiction treatment programs across the United States, smoking has long been treated as a secondary issue. But new research is changing that conversation: quitting cigarettes may play an important role in helping people recover from drug or alcohol use disorders.

A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that people with a history of substance use disorders who quit smoking had up to a 42% higher chance of recovery compared with those who continued smoking.

Researchers analyzed data from nearly 2,700 adults in the United States between 2013 and 2018, tracking their substance use and health over time. Even after adjusting for other factors — such as health conditions or changes in treatment — quitting cigarettes was still linked to a significant improvement in recovery outcomes, about a 30% increase in the likelihood of recovery.

Public health experts say the findings reinforce a growing understanding: addictions should not be treated in isolation.

“We now have solid evidence from a national sample that quitting cigarette smoking predicts better recovery from other substance use disorders,” said Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, which partially funded the study. According to Volkow, addressing multiple addictions at the same time may strengthen treatment outcomes.

Lead researcher Wilson Compton noted that for decades many rehabilitation programs prioritized other substances while leaving smoking cessation for later. “This finding strengthens the case for including quitting smoking as part of addiction treatment,” he said in statements cited by the researchers.

For Latino communities in the United States — where access to mental health and addiction treatment services can still be uneven — the findings also highlight the value of more integrated recovery strategies. Community health specialists say combining smoking cessation support with therapy and social support can improve long-term stability.

The study authors caution that the research is observational, meaning it cannot prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship between quitting smoking and recovery. Still, the results add to a growing body of evidence suggesting that treating addictions together may lead to better outcomes.

For people trying to quit smoking, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends medical support, cessation programs, and tools such as behavioral therapy or approved medications.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis related to substance use or mental health, help is available through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which offers call, text, and chat support across the United States.

Public health experts say the takeaway is clear: quitting smoking doesn’t only protect the lungs — it may also strengthen the path to recovery.