This fact sheet provides statistical information on smoking and smoking cessation for individuals diagnosed with a serious mental illness. It can often be difficult for people with serious mental illness to quit smoking tobacco. Therefore, treatments and policies that are sensitive to this demographic’s unique needs are vital in assisting smoking cessation. One in five adults has some form of mental illness, and the rate of smoking in people diagnosed with schizophrenia is two to three times that of the general population.
This resource, produced by the Program to Achieve Wellness, is valuable for care and service providers whose clients have a serious mental illness, as it provides greater awareness of the issue as well as practical suggestions for providing smoking cessation treatment. Effective interventions for individuals with serious mental illness who wish to quit tobacco use include supportive treatment, practical counseling, and preparing a day to quit.
This resource was first shared in 2017.
(PDF Infographic or Text, External Link)