Self-Reported Effects of Methadone on Cigarette Smoking in Methadone-Maintained Subjects

Abstract

Subjects maintained on methadone evidence a high level of interest in quitting cigarette smoking. Readiness to quit may result, at least partially, from direct pharmacological interactions between methadone and brain nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. The aim of the present study was to assess: (1) self-reported changes in smoking habits after admission to a methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) program; (2) acute effects of methadone administration on smoking behavior in MMT patients. The study was conducted between May and December 2001, in two public outpatient MMT clinics located in Warsaw, Poland. The patients (41 men, 30 women) reported smoking fewer cigarettes after admission to the program. Most subjects (67.6%) changed their favorite brand of cigarettes after admission. Mean nicotine content (mg/cigarette) significantly decreased. On the other hand, the subjects did not report any effects of methadone administration on smoking parameters. The above findings suggest that initiation of MMT is associated with positive changes in smoking behavior. However, these changes may not be related to direct pharmacological interactions between methadone and nicotine.

Keywords:

• opioid dependence
• methadone maintenance treatment
• cigarette smoking
• smoking satisfaction

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Helena Baran-Furga

Helena Baran-Furga, M.D., Ph.D., is a senior research associate in the Department of Prevention and Treatment of Addictions, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology. Her professional interests concentrate on methadone maintenance treatment and the problem of drug addictions in pregnant women.

Karina Chmielewska

Karina Chmielewska, M.D., Ph.D., is chief of the Detoxification Unit in the Department of Prevention and Treatment of Addictions, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology. Her scientific activity concentrates on pharmacological support in opioid detoxification and the problem of psychiatric comorbidity in drug addictions.

Anna Bogucka-Bonikowska

Anna Bogucka-Bonikowska, M.D., is a research associate in the Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology. Her scientific interests focus on biomarkers of drug dependence and the role of neurotransmitter systems in alcohol addiction.

Boguslaw Habrat

Boguslaw Habrat, M.D., Ph.D., is chief of the Department of Prevention and Treatment of Addictions, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, and President of Commission for Substance Abuse of Polish Psychiatric Association. His scientific interests include biological basis of addictive disorders and pharmacological treatment of drug and alcohol dependence.

Wojciech Kostowski

Wojciech Kostowski, M.D., Ph.D., is a professor of pharmacology and chief of the Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology. His professional activities focus on receptor mechanisms involved in drug addiction and central actions of alcohol.

Przemyslaw Bienkowski

Przemyslaw Bienkowski, M.D., Ph.D., is a senior scientist in the Department of Pharmacology. His scientific interests focus on behavioral, receptor, and molecular mechanisms of nicotine and alcohol addiction.