Which substance use disorder is tobacco most closely linked to?

Tobacco use disorder is most closely linked to alcohol use disorder due to overlapping behavioral patterns, shared social environments, and co-occurring usage in various populations. Both substances have a high prevalence of dependence, and individuals struggling with one often struggle with the other. The co-morbid nature of these disorders suggests that the use of tobacco and alcohol frequently occurs together, as both can be part of the same social settings, such as parties, bars, or other social gatherings. Additionally, studies indicate that smoking can enhance the rewarding effects of alcohol, which may facilitate continued use of both substances.

Other substances listed do not exhibit the same level of co-occurrence or behavioral similarity as tobacco and alcohol. For example, while stimulant use disorder shares some behavioral addiction traits, it generally does not have the same pervasive public use context as tobacco and alcohol. The pathways for addiction between these two are deeply intertwined, making them closely linked in terms of substance use disorder prevalence and treatment needs.