E-cigarette use and beliefs among adult smokers with substance use disorders.

Introduction:
This text is a summary of a research study examining the relationship between e-cigarette use and smoking cessation among adults with substance use disorders (SUDs). The study explores patient perceptions and experiences with e-cigarette use and its potential role in reducing combustible cigarette use among adult smokers requiring inpatient detoxification for opioid and/or alcohol use disorder(s).

Key Points:

* The study surveyed adult patients admitted to inpatient detoxification for alcohol and/or opioid use disorder(s) in a safety-net tertiary referral center in the New York City area.
* The survey included questions about clinical characteristics, substance use, and tobacco use variables, including beliefs and perceptions of e-cigarettes in facilitating cessation from combustible cigarettes.
* The study found that 13.9% of combustible cigarette users reported dual use with electronic cigarettes, with no significant differences in demographic or clinical variables between exclusive and dual smokers.
* Dual smokers were more likely to have tried to quit smoking in the past year and had higher mean ratings for perceiving that e-cigarettes can help people quit smoking compared to exclusive smokers.
* Dual users also preferred e-cigarettes over nicotine patches/gum for quitting.
* The study suggests that e-cigarettes may offer a more effective method for harm reduction among patients in addiction treatment.

Main Message:
The study suggests that e-cigarettes may be a promising harm reduction strategy for smokers with SUDs. Dual smokers reported higher rates of quit attempts and more favorable perceptions of e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation aid. However, further research is needed to evaluate the incorporation of e-cigarettes within smoking cessation protocols among patients in addiction treatment. The study highlights the potential for e-cigarettes to improve smoking cessation outcomes in this vulnerable population and warrants further investigation.

El-Shahawy O, Schatz D, Sherman S, Shelley D, Lee JD, Tofighi B. E-cigarette use and beliefs among adult smokers with substance use disorders. Addictive behaviors reports. 2021;13:100329. doi:10.1016/j.abrep.2020.100329