Nearly 75% of individuals with serious mental illness smoke cigarettes, as compared with 20.6% of the general population. Smokers with mental illness and addiction consume nearly half (44%) of all cigarettes sold in the US. Individuals with mental illness die 25 years younger than the general population largely from conditions caused or worsened by smoking. However, smokers with mental illness have less access to cessation services and traditional treatment services are less effective in this population.
In October 2003, Clubhouse of Suffolk, a non-profit provider of psychiatric rehabilitation services, developed a comprehensive model to address the biological, psychological and social aspects of tobacco dependence in individuals with serious mental illness. The Healthy Body Healthy Mind model, which was implemented at Clubhouse, resulted in compelling evidence that individuals with mental illness do respond to tailored interventions which address their specific needs, and are able to quit smoking.
Clubhouse's Smoking Cessation and Wellness Project is changing lives and health care systems to think: "Healthy Body…Healthy Mind".
This Project produced a video called "Smoke Alarm" which discusses the disparate impact of smoking on the lives of people with psychiatric disabilities. The video features Clubhouse members who have reduced or quit smoking.
Training for Change, a training partner of the Clubhouse Wellness program, has produced a guide for integrating and implementing tobacco dependence treatment services.
We have more information on this program here.
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