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Case for Addressing Cigarette Use in Methadone and Other Opioid Treatment Programs

NCJ Number
186770
Journal
Journal of Addictive Diseases Volume: 19 Issue: 4 Dated: 2000 Pages: 35-52
Author(s)
Kimber Paschall Richter Ph.D.; Jasjit S. Ahluwalia M.D.
Editor(s)
Barry Stimmel M.D.
Date Published
2000
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This study discusses the desire of drug treatment clients to quit cigarette smoking and its impact and threat on progress made in reducing drug use.
Abstract
Most users of illicit drugs smoke cigarettes and those who enter treatment continue to smoke. These patients suffer predictable but devastatingly high tobacco-related mortality. Recent studies indicate that many clients are ready to quit smoking and that quitting does not threaten progress made in treatment. This article describes the prevalence of smoking among methadone clients, reviews promising interventions, and describes how programs can implement a systematic approach to smoking cessation that includes creating a cue system for identifying smokers, providing brief on-site intervention and arranging follow-up or more intensive treatment. References