Tobacco Cessation Interventions and Smoke-Free Policies in Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment Facilities

Summary

What is already known about this topic?

Many persons with mental or substance use disorders who smoke want to and can quit smoking.

What is added by this report?

In 2016, among mental health facilities, 49% screened patients for tobacco use, 38% offered tobacco cessation counseling, and 49% had smoke-free campuses; corresponding estimates for substance abuse facilities were 64%, 47%, and 35%, respectively. Approximately one in four behavioral health treatment facilities offered nicotine replacement therapy; one in five offered non-nicotine cessation medications.

What are the implications for public health practice?

Tobacco-free campus policies and integration of tobacco cessation interventions in behavioral health treatment facilities could decrease tobacco-related disease and death and could improve behavioral health outcomes among persons with mental and substance use disorders.