An examination of smoking quit methods used by program administrators at substance abuse treatment centers

Research has shown that most smokers who successfully quit do so own their own, but many use other cessation programs or methods at some point during their smoking history. This study will examine smoking behaviors and quit methods of program administrators at substance abuse treatment facilities. Data were collected using online surveys administered August 2012-January 2013 to 780 program administrators from randomly selected substance abuse treatment facilities across the nation. This study found that 57.6% of program administrators were ex-smokers and 15% of program administrators were current smokers. Out of the program administrators who had smoked more than 100 cigarettes in their lifetime (57.6%), 98% had tried to quit smoking and 94.4% had successfully quit smoking for more than six months. The most popular quit method reported was going “cold turkey” (33.7%). About 13.0% of program administrators had used nicotine replacement therapy to quit smoking, 6.0% had switched to low tar cigarettes, 5.8% used non-prescription products, 5.8% attended a program, 2.7% used hypnosis, 2.2% saw a doctor or psychologist, and 1.4% used special filters or holders. About 36.0% of program administrators reported using other methods to quit smoking, such as acupuncture, prayer, deep breathing, meditation, exercise, and family support. Overall, 76.3% of program administrators used methods other than “cold turkey” to quit smoking. More research should be conducted about smoking cessation methods in various settings, such as substance abuse treatment centers, so health professionals can tailor interventions for their own smoking cessation needs and the needs of their patients.