Table 2.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Tobacco Bans in Psychiatric and Addiction Treatment Facilities
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Excellent opportunity to provide motivational interventions for those not initially motivated to attempt smoking cessation. |
Low inpatient interest in quitting. This is low on their hierarchy of needs. |
| Effects of interventions can be monitored in a controlled therapeutic setting by staff and physicians. |
Staff and administration are often reluctant as they may perceive this to be a distraction to treatment plan and a critical “positive” reinforcer. This is more often the case for staff and administration who are themselves smokers. |
| Reduction in episode of seclusion and restraint, PRN use and decreased length of stay. |
Lack of training of unit staff or other qualified people to conduct smoking cessation counseling. |
| Smoke-free work environment goals are promoted, and consistent with wellness interventions that being implemented in most inpatient settings. |
Unmotivated inpatients pose a barrier to success of any patients who are motivated to quit. |