Tobacco Use by Clients Receiving SUD Treatment

Although cigarette smoking among adults in the United States has been steadily decreasing, rates continue to remain high amongst certain vulnerable populations.

A recent study published in the international journal of Addictive Behaviours has analysed the rates, health risk perceptions and reasons for use of cigarettes, cigars, little filtered cigars (LFCs)/ cigarillos, smokeless tobacco, and e-cigarettes among clients enrolled in addictions treatment across the United States.

The researchers gathered data from 1153 participants across 24 SUD treatment programs. Participants were asked to complete surveys about their tobacco use and health risk perception of all products.

Rates of use of tobacco products were indeed found to be higher than those reported from the general population, and were as follows:

• Cigarettes: 77.5%
• e-Cigarettes: 26.6%
• Little filtered cigars (LFCs)/cigarillos: 15.4%
• Smokeless tobacco: 11.4%
• Cigars: 8.4%

Results found that perceived health risk of smoking was significantly related to the likelihood of cigarette smoking, with current cigarette smokers reporting a lower perceived health risk. Likewise, Participants who rated e-cigarettes as having lower health risks were more likely to have used e-cigarettes in the past 30 days.

Use of different tobacco products was linked with different reasons for using the product. Smokeless users were more likely to report using at times when they were unable to smoke whereas LFC/cigarillo and cigar users were more likely to report using for the taste. Reducing health risks and quitting smoking were the main reason for using e-cigarettes.

This study provides valuable information about rates, reasons of use, and perceived health risks of a range of tobacco products in a sample of individuals in substance use disorder treatment. The results can help broaden the understanding of the reasons behind tobacco use well as inform the management of smoking in SUD treatment settings.