Can psychiatric and chemical dependency treatment units be smoke free?
The feasibility and appropriateness of establishing smoke-free psychiatric and chemical dependency treatment units are topics of recent interest. This paper reviews the literature on the implementation of smoke-free policies in psychiatric and chemical dependency treatment units. Several issues are addressed including (a) the concerns raised by treatment staff regarding the implementation of a smoke-free policy, (b) the effects of involuntary smoking cessation or reduction on the treatment and/or recovery of patients, (c) the utilization of smoking cessation interventions by patients and staff, and (d) the effects of a smoke-free environment on the smoking behavior of patients and staff. It is concluded that a smoke-free environment is a reasonable and achievable goal in these settings. However, the implementation of a smoke-free policy in chemical dependency treatment units has met with several more problems than those observed in psychiatric settings. Recommendations for further clinical research and program implementation are offered.
Patten
C A
CA
San Diego State University, CA 92182, USA.
Martin
J E
JE
Owen
N
N
D004780:Environment, Controlled; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011567:Psychiatric Department, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000523:psychology*; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation