Tobacco smoking remains the leading preventable cause of death in Australia. People with mental illness and substance use disorders smoke at rates significantly higher than the general population, have high levels of nicotine dependence and are less likely to be offered treatment to stop smoking. The management of tobacco smoking is one of the most important activities a mental health clinician or service can undertake in terms of reducing mortality, improving quality of life and improving the efficacy of mental health treatment. This podcast examines the barriers, myths and evidence-based treatments for people who are dependent on tobacco and who experience a mental illness or other substance addiction. Associate Professor Mat Coleman leads the discussion.
Psychiatrists have expertise in understanding and managing mental health and substance use conditions in addition to experience interacting with a vulnerable group of patients who require more intensive smoking cessation support.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Supporting Smoking Cessation guidelines, highlight cessation rates of people with mental health illness are generally lower for any given level of assistance and the treatment of mental illness must be monitored carefully as neuropsychiatric symptoms are more common during quit attempts in this population.
Keep an eye out for further Smoking Cessation Resource for mental Health Clinicians resources on the RANZCP website.
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This podcast is provided to you for information purposes only and to provide a broad public understanding of various mental health topics. The podcast may represent the views of the author and not necessarily the views of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists ('RANZCP'). The podcast is not to be relied upon as medical advice, or as a substitute for medical advice, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and should not be a substitute for individual clinical judgement. By accessing The RANZCP's podcasts you also agree to the full terms and conditions of the RANZCP's Website. Expert mental health information and finding a psychiatrist in Australian or New Zealand is available on the RANZCP’s Your Health In Mind Website.