Tobacco-Related Clinical Services and Tobacco-Free Policies in Behavioral Health Treatment Facilities - United States, 2023.

Abstract

Evidence-based cessation treatments and tobacco-free policies support and increase smoking cessation, which has positive physical health impacts and is associated with positive behavioral health outcomes. Implementation of these strategies in substance use and mental health treatment facilities (behavioral health treatment facilities) could help decrease tobacco use among persons with behavioral health conditions. Data from the 2023 National Substance Use and Mental Health Services Survey were analyzed to ascertain the number and percentage of behavioral health treatment facilities that offered tobacco-related clinical services and had tobacco-free policies. In 2023, tobacco cessation counseling was the most commonly offered cessation service in facilities treating mental health conditions (53.1%) and substance use disorders (69.9%). Fewer than one half of facilities offered nicotine replacement therapy (35.0% of mental health and 40.2% of substance use facilities) or non-nicotine cessation medication (33.6% of mental health and 35.3% of substance use facilities). Policies prohibiting both smoking and vaping were reported by 53.9% of mental health and 33.9% of substance use facilities. Among facilities with a tobacco-free policy, 64.4% of mental health and 81.8% of substance use facilities offered at least one cessation service. Opportunities remain to improve cessation supports in behavioral health treatment facilities, including tobacco-free policies and integrated tobacco cessation treatment services. These strategies could help decrease tobacco-related disease and improve behavioral health outcomes.