Smoking cessation in a community alcohol and drug service: Acceptability and feasibility

Objectives: This study was undertaken to determine if delivering smoking cessation (SC) treatment within a Community Alcohol and Drug Service (CADS) is feasible and/or effective.

Materials and Methods: Clinicians (n= 16) from a single CADS received SC training, then implemented that training with clients who smoked tobacco. Participating clients (n =16) received a box containing 5 different nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) to try out in any combination over 1 week. Clients were then encouraged to choose 1 or 2 NRT products to use for an additional 4 weeks. Data collection from both clinicians and CADS clients occurred at baseline, 1 week, 2 to 4 weeks, and 5 weeks.

Results: Clinicians: Many clinicians regarded the training positively and felt confident in providing SC treatment to their clients. At the end of the study, 88% felt that SC treatment should become part of routine clinical practice. Clients: At 5 weeks, 2 clients had achieved verified continuous abstinence, and 6 clients (50%) had reduced the number of cigarettes smoked per day. Most clients preferred to use combination NRT therapy.

Conclusions: Providing SC support to smokers within a substance abuse treatment service in New Zealand is feasible and effective in motivating clients to make a quit attempt or at least reduce their cigarette consumption.