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Smoking cessation in drug treatment programs
E J Hahn1, T A Warnick, S Plemmons
1University of Kentucky College of Nursing, Lexington 40536-0232, USA. ejhahn00@pop.uky.edu
Journal of Addictive Diseases
|January 13, 2000
Summary
Substance abuse counselors often neglect smoking cessation, despite high rates among clients. Most counselors are receptive to providing treatment, but barriers and policies need addressing for effective nicotine addiction intervention.
Area of Science:
- Addiction Medicine
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Substance abusers exhibit higher smoking prevalence than the general population.
- Smoking cessation interventions are often overlooked in substance abuse treatment programs.
- Nicotine addiction is a significant co-occurring condition in substance use disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess substance abuse counselors' views and practices regarding nicotine addiction and smoking cessation.
- To identify barriers to implementing smoking cessation treatment within these facilities.
- To examine existing smoking policies in substance abuse treatment settings.
Main Methods:
- A mailed questionnaire survey was administered to 254 substance abuse counselors in Kentucky.
- Response rate for the survey was 53%.
- Data collected included counselor demographics, attitudes, practices, perceived barriers, and facility smoking policies.
Main Results:
- Nearly a quarter of surveyed counselors were current smokers.
- Significant differences were observed in attitudes toward nicotine addiction and treatment barriers between smoking and nonsmoking counselors.
- While few counselors consistently followed clinical guidelines for nicotine-dependent clients, most expressed willingness to provide cessation treatment.
- Over half of facilities prohibited indoor smoking but allowed it on grounds.
Conclusions:
- Substance abuse counselors' attitudes and practices regarding smoking cessation require further attention.
- Barriers and facility policies present challenges to integrating smoking cessation into addiction treatment.
- Policy changes by national and state organizations are recommended to promote comprehensive addiction care, including smoking cessation.