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. 2001 Feb;91(2):296–299. doi: 10.2105/ajph.91.2.296

Tobacco use and quit attempts among methadone maintenance clients.

K P Richter 1, C A Gibson 1, J S Ahluwalia 1, K H Schmelzle 1
PMCID: PMC1446533  PMID: 11211643

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study examined tobacco use prevalence, types of tobacco used, interest in quitting, and prior quit attempts among persons in methadone maintenance treatment. METHODS: Counselors collected surveys from 84% (550 of 655) of all clients in a 4-county metropolitan area. RESULTS: Most clients (77%) smoked cigarettes. Of the 59 former tobacco users, only 6 reported using a cessation pharmacotherapy to quit. Three quarters of the current smokers had attempted to quit at least once, with an average of 5 attempts. Most smokers (80%) were "somewhat" or "very" interested in quitting. CONCLUSIONS: The quit ratio among methadone maintenance treatment clients was 12%, compared with 50% nationwide. To reduce morbidity and mortality, cessation interventions must be developed and disseminated.

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Selected References

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