The Social Support and Social Network Characteristics of Smokers in Methadone Maintenance Treatment

Abstract

Background: Previous studies have shown social support and social network variables to be important factors in smoking cessation treatment. Tobacco use is highly prevalent among individuals in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). However, smoking cessation treatment outcomes in this vulnerable subpopulation have been poor and social support and social network variables may contribute. Methods: The current study examined the social support and social network characteristics of 151 MMT smokers involved in a randomized clinical trial of smoking cessation treatments. Participants were 50% women and 78% Caucasian. A high proportion (57%) of MMT smokers had spouses or partners who smoke and over two-thirds of households (68.5%) included at least one smoker. Results: Our sample was characterized by relatively small social networks, but high levels of general social support and quitting support. The number of cigarettes per day was found to be positively associated with the number of smokers in the social network (r = .239, p < .05) and quitting self-efficacy was negatively associated with partner smoking (r = −.217, p < .001). Conclusions: Findings are discussed in the context of developing smoking cessation interventions that address the influential role of social support and social networks of smokers in MMT.

• social support
• smoking
• methadone maintenance
• social network

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This study was supported by NCI grant R01CA0129226 and Dr. de Dios is supported by an NCI supplement grant (R01CA0129226-S1). Dr. Stein is a recipient of an NIDA Mid-Career Award K24-DA000512-08. Dr. Stanton was supported by NIDA (R01-DA12344-06) and NCI (K07-CA95623).