The 2006 Morbidity and Mortality in People with Serious Mental Illness report issued by the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, found that persons with serious mental illness die, on average, 25 years earlier and suffer increased medical co-morbidity. They often die from tobacco related diseases and are more likely to die from these diseases than from alcohol use.
The need to help this clientele quit tobacco is clear. Some strongly held myths have stood in the way of progress in this area. Fortunately, a growing body of research is debunking these myths, making way for new interventions.
The California Smokers’ Helpline has developed the following free resources to help you learn more about smokers with mental illness and substance use disorders and how to help them. Fact Sheet: Tobacco Cessation for Smokers with Mental Illness or Substance Use Disorders.