Question: Is the combination of varenicline tartrate and nicotine patch a more effective treatment than placebo with nicotine patch for smoking cessation in adult cigarette smokers who drink heavily?

Findings: In this randomized clinical trial of 122 smokers who drink heavily, combination treatment with varenicline and nicotine patch significantly improved continuous cigarette abstinence during the final 4 weeks of treatment relative to placebo and nicotine patch.

Meaning: This study found that combined treatment with varenicline and nicotine patch improved smoking cessation outcomes among smokers who drink heavily, a population who have historically experienced worse outcomes with standard approved treatments for tobacco cessation.