Alcohol consumers are more prone to experiment and develop dependence on cigarettes. This critical review on cross-cue-reactivity (CCR) to cues associated with alcohol and tobacco aimed to explore the influence of CCR on the concomitant use of these substances. We searched the databases Medline, PsycINFO and LILACS; the descriptors used were alcohol, smoking and cues. The criteria for inclusion were: empirical studies, involving exposure to associated cues and addressing the co-occurrence of alcohol and cigarette use. Results found 144 articles, eight being selected. The studies suggest that cues associated with a drug can lead to craving for another. These studies indicated that CCR might be relevant for prevention and treatment of abuse and addiction to cigarettes and alcohol.

Keywords : alcohol; cigarette smoking; cues.