Cigarette smoking is common among people in recovery from addiction, but it can lead to various long term health consequences, such as heart disease, stroke and cancer.
Cigarettesmoking and drug addictioncan occur together. Smoking is common among those in recovery. According to theNational Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), about 65% to 85% of people in treatment for substance abuse smoke cigarettes.
While cigarette smoking is common among those inrecovery, there are some drawbacks to continuing smoking while in treatment for addiction.
Why Do People Smoke Cigarettes in Recovery?
Smoking is common in addiction recovery. Many people may wonder,“Why do people still smoke cigaretteswhen in rehab?” There are several reasons people may continue smoking cigarettes when recovering fromaddiction. One reason is that peoplemay be uncertainabout giving up smoking. They may worry that if they give up smoking, it will interfere with their abstinence fromillegal drugs.
Smoking may also serve as acoping mechanismor a form of stress relief while in treatment. When people feel a craving for drugs, they may instead smoke a cigarette to relieve the craving. This form of stress relief is often permitted by staff in rehab facilities who may condone cigarette smoking.
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How Many People Smoke Cigarettes in Recovery?
Arecent studyevaluated much of the prevalence data collected between 1987 and 2013. According to the study, about 84% of people in treatment for substance abuse are smokers, compared to 31% in the general population.
How many people smoke cigarettesin recovery can vary based on the drug of choice. The study found that when compared to those in treatment foralcoholism, people recovering fromopiate abusewere 2.52 times more likely to smoke. People in medication-assisted treatment for opiate abuse are also more likely to be cigarette users.
Why Not Quit Smoking?
Smoking and recovery from addictionoften occur together, as it can be difficult to give up cigarettes while also recovering from addiction to alcohol or drugs. For some people, trying to quit smoking can be an added strain during the recovery process.
If a person is unable to remain abstinent from drugs and give up smoking simultaneously, this would be a reason to avoid quitting smoking. Given the choice between quitting drugs and giving up cigarettes, discontinuing drug use should be a priority.
Dangers of Continued Nicotine Use
While giving up drug use should take precedence over quitting smoking, the long termeffects of cigarette smokingcan be severe. TheCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)reports that smoking raises the risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer. It can also have a negative effect on dental health and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, cataracts, macular degeneration, infertility, broken bones, miscarriage, birth defects and preterm delivery.
The effects of smoking can be deadly. TheCDCreports that cigarettes are responsible for about 90% of deaths related to lung cancer and 80% of COPD deaths. In men and women, smoking elevates the risk of death from any cause. Given the risk of fatal health consequences associated with nicotine use, giving up smoking is beneficial for those in recovery.
Benefits of Quitting Smoking While in Recovery
The greatest benefit ofquitting smoking while in recoveryis that it can improve health and reduce the likelihood of long-term consequences such as cancer and heart disease. Quittingcould also improvetreatment outcomes.
Recovery can also be an ideal setting for receiving treatment for tobacco addiction. Among patients in recovery, medications and counselingare effectivefor promoting abstinence from cigarette use. If a person is able to quit smoking while in treatment without jeopardizing their recovery from drug and alcohol abuse, they will enjoy the benefits of remaining cigarette-free.
If you or a loved one are ready to address a drug or alcohol addiction,contact The Recovery Villagetoday to speak with a representative about receiving the treatment you need to live a healthier life.
