Tobacco products, including cigarettes, negatively impact physical and mental health. Smoking and other addictive behaviors may interfere with treatment for substance use disorder (SUD). According to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, one study concluded that “[c]ontinued smoking for smokers and smoking initiation for non-smokers was associated with greater odds of SUD relapse.” West Coast Recovery Centers encourages clients to take advantage of smoking cessation support to quit smoking.
The Connection Between Smoking and SUD
Smoking and substance abuse share many risk factors, making it common for individuals in treatment for SUD to have a history of misusing tobacco products. In addition, individuals with no history of smoking may begin using tobacco products during treatment as a maladaptive coping technique for managing anxiety, restlessness, and other symptoms of SUD.
Smoking is a highly addictive and triggering behavior. Clients who begin smoking during treatment often struggle to avoid relapse during the early stages of recovery. West Coast Recovery Centers offers cessation support services to help clients prevent smoking.
Drug or alcohol abuse and smoking share many connections, including:
- The behaviors may develop as a response to chronic stress, trauma, or other underlying factors
- Smoking may increase the risk of developing substance use disorder and vice versa
- Substance abuse and smoking both have adverse effects on the brain and impact how people perceive and manage stress
Treatment programs for substance abuse help clients learn positive ways to cope with stress, making it easier for them to avoid relying on smoking or other maladaptive behaviors. According to SmokeFree.gov, “Managing stress is a key part of quitting smoking.” The care team at West Coast Recovery Centers teaches clients stress reduction techniques to help them manage daily stressors more effectively.
Professional Addiction Recovery Programs Help People Quit Smoking
Rehabilitation programs help people quit smoking by providing cessation classes or workshops, education on the long-term harmful effects of smoking, and nonjudgmental support. Many people find it helpful to quit smoking in a controlled treatment environment where they have access to essential services and increased accountability. According to the previously mentioned article by the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, “Incorporating smoking cessation and prevention efforts into substance abuse treatment may improve long-term substance use outcomes for adult smokers with SUDs.” Clinicians guide clients through the process of recognizing the benefits of smoking cessation and making essential lifestyle changes to support a smoke-free recovery.
Addiction recovery programs help people quit smoking by doing the following:
- Providing alternative coping skills to manage stress
- Ensuring clients have social support
- Offering a structured schedule and controlled environment
- Providing evidence-based suggestions for managing cravings and other symptoms of withdrawal
- Improving nutritional health through balanced meals
People often fail to quit smoking on their own. However, with the support of an entire care team, clients in treatment have an easier time developing healthy habits to replace smoking. Many people recovering from substance abuse don’t have a strong support system. Professional treatment programs provide a built-in support system, including peers and clinicians. Social support is an integral part of recovery for many people struggling with addictive behaviors like smoking.
Building Healthy Routines Reduces the Risk of Long-Term Health Issues
Establishing healthy routines to manage stress is the most effective way to reduce cravings for individuals who smoke. A large part of treatment at West Coast Recovery Centers involves identifying factors contributing to addictive behaviors and replacing them with healthy routines and new behaviors.
Building routines takes time and determination. The care team helps clients succeed by doing the following:
- Providing motivation, inspiration, and support
- Offering informational resources and psychoeducation
- Guiding them through developing realistic goals and expectations
- Ensuring they have access to a wide range of support resources and coping tools
Smoking is a leading cause of preventable death and long-term health issues. Creating sustainable routines to support a substance and tobacco-free future reduces the risk of severe health issues in the future. The care team educates clients on the long-term effects of chronic smoking and how cessation support can help them avoid potential medical problems.
How Does West Coast Recovery Centers Help Clients Quit Smoking?
West Coast Recovery Centers uses evidence-based and alternative holistic therapies to help clients lower stress, manage symptoms, and reduce or quit smoking. The team uses psychotherapy, education, peer support, and other services to provide clients with an environment that encourages them to succeed at their goal of smoking cessation.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Quitting smoking is one of the most important actions people can take to improve their health . . regardless of their age or how long they have been smoking.” Many methods are available to help people quit smoking. Individuals in recovery from substance abuse often benefit from addressing smoking as part of their treatment plan through cessation support.
Clients are not required to stop smoking. However, research shows individuals who quit or avoid smoking during treatment and continuing care have a reduced risk of relapsing during recovery from SUD. Anyone who chooses to quit smoking has the full support of the care team and access to essential services.
Smoking may trigger cravings related to substance abuse. Clients in treatment for substance use disorder report better outcomes if they reduce or quit smoking. West Coast Recovery Centers offers smoking cessation support to help clients in recovery build healthier habits and routines in their everyday lives. Quitting smoking provides people with many health benefits, including a decreased risk of severe health issues. Smoking cessation services ensure clients develop coping skills and have access to resources they need to manage stress without falling back on maladaptive behaviors. The care team holds clients accountable to help them achieve recovery goals, including smoking cessation. To learn more about our programs and services, call us today at (760) 492-6509.