Benefits of and barriers to providing smoking treatment in methadone clinics: findings from a national study

Am J Addict. 2005 Jul-Sep;14(4):358-66. doi: 10.1080/10550490591003693.

Abstract

Although smoking increases morbidity and mortality among patients in addictions clinics, few clinics provide routine smoking treatment. To understand staff attitudes toward treatment, we surveyed leaders of outpatient methadone treatment clinics nationwide. Our response rate was 59% (408/697). Most clinic leaders thought they should provide smoking treatment (76%) or refer patients for care (91%); however, fewer than half of these had provided treatment in the month prior to the survey. Leaders said smoking treatment would benefit their clinics, patients and communities, but said barriers-primarily insufficient staff training-prevented routine care. Addressing these barriers could increase smoking treatment in addictions clinics and save lives.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methadone / therapeutic use
  • Middle Aged
  • Narcotics / therapeutic use
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / complications
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / drug therapy
  • Outpatients
  • Professional-Patient Relations
  • Smoking Cessation*
  • Substance Abuse Treatment Centers*
  • Tobacco Use Disorder / therapy*

Substances

  • Narcotics
  • Methadone