Tobacco Use in Behavioral Health

Tobacco use leads to more deaths than all other substances that mental health and substance use providers focus on as a priority. 

Despite significant progress made to reduce smoking in the general population, individuals in behavioral health remain at high risk for tobacco exposure and continue to bear a disproportionate burden of tobacco-related illness, disability and premature death. 

This presentation defines the basis for widespread smoking in the recovering community by exploring the bio-psycho-social aspects of tobacco use disorder specific to individuals with behavioral challenges. 

Learning tobacco-free coping skills is safe and achievable. It enhances physical and mental health, reduces social stigma and contributes to long-term recovery.