Tobacco use and cessation in substance abuse treatment settings: A policy review

A 2006 survey of tobacco use among clients and staff within Signal Behavioral Health Network(“Signal”), a managed services organization providing publicly funded substance abuse treatment in 35 Colorado counties, found that 80% (N= 635) of clients and 29% (N=76) of staff surveyed currently smoke. Yet little was known about the tobacco policies of these network providers.

Signal contracted with Colorado Social Research Associates to conduct a policy analysis under its Tobacco Use Recovery Now (TURN) program. The purpose of the analysis was to describe the range of current tobacco use policies among provider members, to determine gaps in these policies, and to facilitate effective policy development promoting tobacco cessation and control network-wide.

Sixteen of Signal's 17 providers participated in this study. A blended qualitative and quantitative methodological approach established seven domains examining policies' scope, stated purpose, communication requirements, and provisions for tobacco cessation regarding both clients and staff across providers. Recommendations on definitions, content, and the larger context of policies within substance abuse treatment agencies and their treatment philosophies are discussed.