Combined use of varenicicline and cognitive behavioral treatment for nicotine dependence in patients admitted to a psychiatric clinic in Rio de Janeiro – Brazil

Abstract

Objective Nicotine dependence is a worldwide health problem and the second cause of death worldwide. This article aims to present the improvement in the technique used by us. The results of the implementation of the treatment program with the use of varenicline as a specific medicine for nicotine dependence during admission to a clinic for chemical dependency treatment. We also demonstrate that this treatment is possible and safe for patients with comorbid psychiatric disorders and drug use disorders. Methods Between August 2012 and August 2013, 98 patients were evaluated in a clinic for psychiatric and drug use treatment in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The treatment consisted of a smoking cessation therapy concurrently with the psychiatric treatment. These patients had used pharmacological therapy associated with intensive cognitive behavioral therapy, occupational therapy and moderate physical activity. In addition to the associated therapy, smoking was limited to three cigarettes daily beginning the first day of hospitalization. The drug use disorders and psychiatric illnesses were treated as usual. Results The patients adhered to the treatment. Hundred percent of the treatment group were discharged from the clinic such as tobacco abstainers. The percentage of abstinence in patients after discharge according to previous assessments (2008–2009) with follow-up of 18 months was 51%. Results of the current study are still under evaluation. Conclusions Behavioral group therapy and physical activities can be important allies for varenicline. Behavioral changes also exert great influence in the maintenance of abstinence.