Creating Tobacco-Free Behavioral Health Facilities & Staff

Helping clients, staff & facilities go tobacco-free

We’re dedicated to creating a tobacco-free environment for all. Giving up tobacco is an important part of many clients’ recovery and we believe going tobacco-free should be a priority for every health provider.

What is a behavioral health facility?

“Behavioral health facilities” include substance use treatment centers, as well as centers for clients with mental health disorders.

Why should these places be tobacco-free?

Behavioral health treatment settings that go tobacco –free improve the health of their clients. Quitting smoking is associated with improved mental health symptoms and an increase in long-term recovery from other substances.

Myth vs. Fact

Behavioral Health &
Substance Use Disorders

Quitting will threaten recovery.

MYTH

Those who treat tobacco addiction at the same time as other addictions are 25% more likely to maintain their recovery.

FACT

Smoking helps a person with a behavioral health disorder manage their symptoms.

MYTH

People with behavioral health disorders who quit smoking have better long-term mental health.

FACT

Smoking/Vaping is necessary for self-medication.

MYTH

Tobacco doesn’t “control” symptoms – it affects the brain’s cognitive processes and can negatively affect certain medications used in treatment.

FACT

Smoking builds relationships.

MYTH

Smoking can be isolating. 75% of smokers with behavioral health disorders reported smoking all or most of their cigarettes alone.

FACT

Read The Guide

Tobacco-Free Recovery

A guide to help behavioral health facilities go smoke-free. Although the rates of tobacco use have decreased among the general population, there are still vulnerable subpopulations where the rate of use has increased. Unfortunately, individuals with behavioral health disorders are one of the subpopulations disproportionately affected by tobacco use.

Download Guide

Staff: Lead By Example

Employees and counselors may not realize how much their actions impact clients’ behavior. When you promote and practice sobriety at health centers, you help patients:

Improve their overall health & quality of life
Improve the effectiveness of medications
Experience fewer behavioral health symptoms
Stay in recovery

How You Can Help

We’re working with behavioral health facilities in Fresno County to adopt tobacco-free campus policies. If you’re a behavioral health care provider, administrator or other staff member, download more great resources here. Contact Us today to find out about our resources to assist your facility in becoming smoke-free.