Cessation of alcohol consumption decreases rate of nicotine metabolism in male alcohol-dependent smokers

There was a significant decrease in urine NMR over the 7 weeks after alcohol abstinence (F(2,42) = 18.83, p < 0.001), indicating a decrease in rate of nicotine metabolism. On average NMR decreased 50.0% from baseline to week 7 (9.6 ± 1.3 vs 4.1 ± 0.6). There was no change in urine TNE across the three sessions, indicating no change daily nicotine intake. The results support the idea that chronic alcohol abuse may increase the rate of nicotine metabolism, which then decreases over time after alcohol cessation. This information may help to inform future smoking cessation interventions in this population.