Treatment outcomes of a tailored smoking cessation programme for individuals accessing addiction treatment services
Presenter(s)
Dr Milan Khara Clinical Director, Tobacco Dependence Clinic, Vancouver Coastal Health Addiction Services, Canada
Abstract
Background: Individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) have disproportionately higher smoking prevalence and tobacco-related mortality than the general population. This high prevalence of smoking warrants a need for targeted tobacco treatment efforts.
Objectives: To examine smoking cessation outcomes and predictors of successful smoking cessation among individuals with SUD accessing a tobacco dependence clinic (TDC) within Addiction Services.
Methods: Based on clinical guidelines, participants of the TDC received behavioural therapy combined with tailored pharmacotherapy for tobacco treatment (at no cost). A retrospective chart review from 678 participants enrolled in the TDC between Sept 2007 and Dec 2011 was analyzed. 7-day point-prevalence abstinence (validated by expired carbon monoxide) at end-of-treatment was the main outcome measure.
Results: For individuals who completed the program (n=523), the abstinence rate was 40.3%. Significant predictors of successful smoking abstinence at the end-of-treatment were: a) having a lower expired CO level at baseline, and b) staying in treatment for a greater number of weeks.
Conclusions: Tobacco treatment tailored to the needs of individuals with SUD is an important approach to reduce the disproportionate tobacco-related morbidity and mortality in this population. Specialized tobacco treatment in addiction service settings is well received by clients who are motivated to quit smoking.
Source of funding: This study was made possible through a financial contribution from Health Canada. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of Health Canada.
Declaration of interest: Dr. Milan Khara has received unrestricted research funding, speaker honoraria, consultation fees or product from the following organisations/companies in the previous 12 months: Health Canada, Interior Health Authority, Pfizer, TEACH, QuitNow Services, Ottawa Heart Institute, Johnson and Johnson, Provincial Health Services Authority, College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia.
Dr Okoli has received consultation fees from Vancouver Coastal Health Authority Addiction Services in the past 12 months.
