As an evidenced-based treatment program, we believe that following proven research is the most effective way to promote change in our clients. With that in mind, we would be careless to dismiss the research connections between addiction and nicotine use. At Lantana Recovery, we have developed specific protocol to address nicotine use in our program. We do not require that all clients participate, but we do promote this aspect of our program and fully support any client that decides to make it a part of their treatment plan.
Our Rationale
- Approximately 84% of SUD (Substance Use Disorder) clients are also nicotine dependent (vs 15.5% of U.S. population)
- About 75% of nicotine dependent SUD clients would prefer to stop smoking
- About 15% of non-smokers in SUD programs – that do not restrict smoking – take up smoking
- Death rates are four times higher for SUD clients who smoke, occurring an average of 20 years sooner
- Those who stop smoking during SUD treatment have 25% greater likelihood of being abstinent from drugs/alcohol 5-years later
- Those clients who continue to smoke are about twice more likely to relapse to other drug use than those who stop smoking
Our Approach
- We maintain an organizational culture that supports and encourages smoking cessation.
- We educate people on the harmful side effects of nicotine addiction so they get motivated to leave it.
- We provide a smoke-free treatment facility environment that minimizes smoking cues.
- Our practices maximize the opportunity for smokers to quit, including:
- Require clinicians to identify and actively address nicotine dependence in client treatment plans
- Restrict tobacco products (including vaporizers) from facility premises (including staff and visitors)
- Disassociate nicotine delivery breaks from social/relaxation breaks
- Provide nicotine dependence groups for identified clients, with non-smokers having alternative groups
- Implement evidence-based nicotine dependence interventions (including harm reduction)
- Provide nicotine dosage by prescription for use in the facility
- Provide NRT patches and/or medications by prescription
- Smoking cessation support groups (including former smoking role models)
- Motivational interviewing (MI); relaxation techniques (e.g., meditation, mindfulness exercises, yoga, acupuncture, etc.)
- Quit smoking app
