TOBACCO AND
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

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MORE ABOUT TOBACCO USE

Tobacco use is a significant concern for individuals with behavioral health conditions, but quitting can lead to improved mental and physical health outcomes. View more information below.

The Impact of Tobacco on Mental Health

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 25% of adults in the United States have a mental health or substance use disorder (i.e., behavioral health condition). These adults consume almost 40% of all cigarettes smoked by adults in the United States.

Benefits of Quitting for Behavioral Health
In fact, people with behavioral health conditions die about five years earlier than people without such conditions, more than 50% from tobacco-attributable diseases. In addition:
  • Individuals with behavioral health conditions are more likely than those without such conditions to smoke and to smoke more heavily; and they account for nearly half of all tobacco-related deaths each year.
  • Smoking can exacerbate mental health symptoms and complicate treatment.
  • Quitting smoking can improve mental health and substance use disorder recovery outcomes.
Common Myths About Tobacco Use in Treatment

Behavioral health treatment settings have permitted tobacco use among clients, in part because of misperceptions that smoking could alleviate symptoms of mental health conditions and that cessation could interfere with treatment. However, research has shown that smoking can worsen symptoms and behavioral health outcomes, and quitting can improve mental health and substance use disorder treatment outcomes.

Resources for Quitting Tobacco and Nicotine

TFKC has created this section of our website to assist Kansans who use tobacco and nicotine products, as well as those providers who help individuals to quit using, and find the resources they need to live tobacco and nicotine free.

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