NCJ Number
201720
Journal
Journal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse Volume: 12 Issue: 3 Dated: 2003 Pages: 71-86
Date Published
2003
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This article discusses how the substance abuse treatment industry addresses the connection between tobacco and other drugs when dealing with youth.
Abstract
There are a number of reasons why the treatment industry should take tobacco cessation seriously. First, tobacco addiction is a major concern for the majority of their clients. Second, tobacco plays a biological and behavioral role in relapse. Third, the effects of tobacco with other drugs enhance the risk of serious health and social problems. A mail survey was conducted to examine the implementation of tobacco policy in substance abuse treatment programs for youth. Out of the 628 treatment programs surveyed, 194 surveys were completed and returned. The survey asked two questions: (1) what is the extent to which substance abuse treatment centers are incorporating tobacco cessation in their treatment plans with youth; and (2) are there any factors related to the inclusion of tobacco cessation in treatment planning. Although the majority of respondents reported that they routinely complete an assessment of the tobacco use of the children in their care, nearly half of the sample did not include tobacco cessation in treatment planning. Fifty-two percent of the sample reported that at least 80 percent of the youth in their program had used a tobacco product in the past 30 days. Seventy-five percent of these youth are regular smokers, consuming up to one pack of cigarettes per day. Only 9 percent of the program representatives reported that tobacco cessation should be a part of all treatment plans. These results suggest that there may still be a considerable resistance in addressing tobacco addiction in substance abuse treatment. There appears to be no consistent reason for including tobacco cessation in drug treatment plans. When the programs do include tobacco cessation, they are using a variety of approaches to assist their young patients in quitting smoking. Local government policies may have an impact on what goes on in treatment. The percentage of clinical staff that smokes has an influence on whether or not programs complete tobacco assessments. Smoking is reinforced in some facilities. 4 tables, 3 notes, 27 references