Problem/Objective: Due to the strong association between tobacco use and the use of alcohol and other drugs, an ongoing struggle in substance dependence treatment facilities is when and how to conduct nicotine cessation. With the recent determination by Jorenby and colleagues (2006) on the potential of Chantix to relieve the withdrawal symptoms from nicotine cessation while reducing the rewarding properties of nicotine, as well as Gonzales', et al. (2006) primary results of higher continuous abstinence rates for the Chantix group, both present an optimistic picture for “healthy” smokers. However, this brings to question the smokers who are also addicted to other substances, such as alcohol.

Methods: The purpose of this study was to review the outcomes of patients who were prescribed Chantix for use while in a residential substance dependence treatment program.

Results: Of the first seventeen patients who had been prescribed Chantix during treatment, and contacted one month following treatment, 47.1% reported a decrease in the number of cigarettes smoked per day since treatment.

Conclusions: As there are no published results of studies involving Chantix and substance dependent patients, this study is an initial look at the effectiveness of Chantix with smokers while they are in primary alcohol/drug treatment.