Kicking Tobacco: A Lifeline for Mental Health Recovery
Smoking is the number one cause of death in people with mental illness and tobacco use contributes to more deaths than the primary behavioral health condition.
Ever wondered why smoking is so prevalent among those with mental health issues? In this episode of 'One Hour AT A Time', host Mary Woods tackles the tough topic of tobacco use and its dire impact on individuals with co-occurring disorders. Smoking isn't just a bad habit; it's the leading cause of death for people battling mental illness.
Woods shines a light on the barriers that make quitting so challenging and shares practical, evidence-based strategies to help people kick the habit for good. She brings in Ms. Aubrey, who shares her firsthand experiences working with behavioral health organizations and Peer Recovery Specialists. Together, they explore the importance of integrating tobacco cessation treatments into broader behavioral health services.
The conversation doesn’t shy away from discussing the false promise of e-cigarettes and other tobacco products, revealing how they often lead back to traditional smoking. The episode underscores that quitting smoking can drastically improve one’s quality of life and even boost employability. Tune in to gain valuable insights on how to support yourself or a loved one in the journey to quit smoking and embrace a healthier, smoke-free life.