The treatment of tobacco dependence during the acute or withdrawal treatment of addiction patients remains a controversial topic, despite the positive data on its effectiveness.

Treatment objectives are not only tobacco abstinence but also a reduction in smoking in the sense of ‘harm reduction’.

During a six-month data collection period, all tobacco-dependent patients on an acute addiction ward were included in the treatment approach. The open programme lasted for two weeks (two group sessions and an optional individual consultation). Patients (treatment and placebo group) were assessed at four points in time (a pre-test, a post-test and a 3- and 6-month follow-up). A standardized questionnaire was assessed with focus on acceptance of the programme, motivation and changes in smoking behaviour.

A sample of n = 70 participants was studied (control group: n = 82). Although participation was mandatory, acceptance of the programme was good to very good. A total of 11.9% of the participants participated in the voluntary, manualised individual therapy sessions in addition to the group programme. Compared to the control group (brief information about tobacco dependence and nicotine replacement therapy), all participants showed a change in smoking behaviour and motivation to quit. During the acute treatment, 24.3% of the patients reduced their smoking and 4.3% even quit smoking. Data will be presented from the 3- and 6-month follow-ups.

The results indicate good acceptance, very good practicability and positive effects on smoking behaviour of early counselling and tobacco withdrawal in patients with comorbid addiction disorder.