Addictions and Mental Health Tobacco Freedom

The AMH Tobacco Freedom Initiative:

In October 2009, at a convention called Tobacco Freedom, Oregon leaders, community stakeholders and consumer advocates created an initiative with new strategies to improve access to and participation in tobacco cessation treatment plans for both mental health and addiction services. The AMH Tobacco Freedom Initiative is a step toward assisting individuals to achieve personal health and wellness. The initiative includes a policy that addresses tobacco-free AMH funded residential facilities and resources for education and tobacco cessation.

On average, people with mental health diagnosis are dying 25 years earlier. 

In many cases, these early deaths can be attributed to cardiovascular disease resulting from high blood pressure, elevated blood cholesterol and triglycerides, metabolic disorders, and other cardiovascular risk factors hastened by tobacco use.

People with mental health diagnoses purchase almost half of the cigarettes consumed in this country.

To address this startling disparity, Tobacco Freedom establishes tobacco free treatment settings and tobacco cessation services and supports, including: 

• Providing individuals receiving services and employees with tobacco-free environments.
• Promoting alternatives to tobacco use.
• Increasing access to peer-based and other tobacco cessation resources and supports.
• Improving discharge planning to promote sustained tobacco cessation and healthy lifestyles in recovery. 

AMH Tobacco Freedom Information: 

• Frequently Asked Questions 
• Introduction Memo from Richard Harris, Assistant Director 
• Oregon Consumer/Survivor Council Position Statement 
• OREGON HEALTH PLAN - Tobacco Cessation Services:
  2011 Survey of Fully Capitated Health Plans and Dental Care Organizations 
• Results of Tobacco Policy Survey Conducted with Residential Providers 

The Bringing Everyone Along project has developed the following resources to assist health professionals to adapt their treatment services to the unique needs of tobacco users with mental health and substance use disorders.

• BEA Resource Guide Supplement  - Practical strategies and advice from Colorado, Wisconsin, Indiana, and New York for implementing tobacco policies and treatment in mental health and substance use settings.
• BEA Resource Guide  - Research recommendations and clinical advice for adapting services in tobacco dependence treatment programs, tobacco quit lines, mental health treatment programs, substance use treatment programs, and primary care settings.
• BEA Resource Guide Summary 
• Online Resources  - Includes links to Toolkits, Professional Presentations, Consumer Information, and Websites
• Online CME Course - Meeting the Challenge of Tobacco Cessation For Persons with Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorders 

A Report of the Surgeon General: How tobacco smoke causes disease - the biology and behavioral basis for smoking-attributable disease.

• Clinician Piece 
• Consumer Survey 
• Executive Summary 
• Fact Sheet
• Full Report 
• Heart Stopper: A 30-second clip  

Toolkits and Resources

• A Toolkit for Clinicians
• Become an Ex-Smoker
• The Hidden Epidemic: Tobacco Use and Mental Illness 
• Mid-Valley Behavioral Care Network Tobacco Cessation Resources
• NIDA for Teens: Tobacco Addiction
• Quick Reference Guide for Clinicians for treating tobacco use dependence - 2008 
• Rx for Change: Clinician-assisted tobacco cessation - This site requires that you register before downloading material from this site. It includes a comprehensive training program for mental health peer counselors on helping others address tobacco. 
• Smoking Cessation During Substance Abuse Treatment: What you need to know 
• Smoking Hazards and Solutions in Long-Term Care 
• Tobacco Free for Recovery Communication - Highlighting the work of Tobacco Freedom in Oregon
• Tobacco-Free Living in Psychiatric Settings:  A best practices toolkit promoting wellness and recovery
• Tobacco-Free Workplace Toolkit - 2009 
• Tobacco-Free Toolkit for Community Health Facilities 
• Tobacco Treatment for Persons with Substance Abuse Disorders: A Toolkit for Substance Abuse Treatment Providers 
• Video created by the New York State Tobacco Program for addictions and substance use disorders centers

Presentations

• Clinician-Assisted Tobacco Training - Medford, December 8, 2011
  • Treating Tobacco Dependence in Smokers with Co-Occurring Psychiatric or Addictive Disorders  (ppt)
  • Withdrawal Symptoms Information Sheet 
  • Coping with Quitting: Cognitive and Behavioral Strategies 
  • Tobacco Cessation Counseling Guidesheet - Transtheorectical Model 
  • Drug Interactions with Tobacco Smoke 
  • Pharmacologic Product Guide: FDA-Approved Medications for Smoking Cessation 
  • Smoking and Mental Illness — Breaking the Link  (Journal Article)
  • Tobacco Use Among Individuals With Schizophrenia: What Role Has the Tobacco Industry Played?  (Journal Article)
• Tobacco-Free Addictions and Mental Health Facilities: Opportunities and Lessons Learned 
• The Power of Peers within the Mental Health Care System 

Oregon Quit Lines: 

• Oregon Tobacco Quit Line: 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669). This service can also be accessed online  
• Free and Clear Program (An employee benefit through PEBB): 1-800-QUIT-4-LIFE (1-866-784-8454) 
• Quit Line Services  - A list of available services.

AMH Wellness Initiative 

For more information on the AMH Tobacco Freedom Initiative, contact LuAnn Meulink at luann.e.meulink@state.or.us or call (503) 945-6289.