'Do more, smoke less!' Harm reduction in action for smokers with mental health/substance use problems who cannot or will not quit

Abstract

Although smoking rates among mental health/substance abusing populations are very high, the focus of treatment and research has tended to be on substances other than tobacco. A range of harm-reduction strategies is needed, including long-term nicotine maintenance, smokeless tobacco and 'clean' nicotine products. For those who cannot or will not quit, assistance in reducing smoking should be given. Interventions for smoking among people with mental health/substance use problems may best be delivered by addressing multiple health-risk behaviours, especially physical activity, around the same time.