Bupropion as a Smoking Cessation Aid in Alcoholics

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Objectives: The purpose of the current
proposal is to test the use of sustained release bupropion in patients in
treatment for alcohol abuse/dependence as an aid for smoking cessation. It is
our overall hypothesis that cigarette smoking cessation can be achieved in
patients during treatment for alcohol abuse/addiction, particularly if
treatment is tailored. Our proposed work will address the following four
specific aims: Aim one will assess whether the use of sustained release
bupropion as a smoking cessation alters abstinence from cigarette smoking for
patients with alcohol abuse/dependence in an alcohol treatment program. Aim
two will assess whether the use of sustained release bupropion as a smoking
cessation aid alters sobriety from alcohol in patients. Aim three will assess
the incidence of side effects of sustained release bupropion when used as a
smoking cessation aid for patients with alcohol abuse or dependence in an
alcohol treatment program. Aim four will assess the adherence to the
medication regimen between the two groups.
Research Design and Methodology: We propose to use a randomized, double blind,
placebo controlled clinical trial to test the safety and efficacy of the
addition of a nine-week course of sustained release bupropion for cigarette
smoking cessation in a VA SATC and a community-based alcohol treatment
program. 200 total patients will be enrolled. Patients meeting study
criteria will be randomized to receive either sustained released bupropion or
placebo. Both groups will receive nicotine replacement therapy. Participants
will be followed for 6 months. A repeated measure design will be used to
compare outcome measures of smoking cessation and sobriety from alcohol in two
groups (control, intervention) at baseline, 4 weeks, 9 weeks, and 6 months.