Improving patient well-being through tobacco cessation treatment
FRANKFORT Smoking’s negative effects on the body have been known for decades – but what about its effects on the mind? Patients dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, or other behavioral health conditions may not realize that nicotine addiction compounds and in some cases even causes those negative feelings.
This misbelief is particularly dangerous for young people, many of whom begin using nicotine products specifically to self-medicate for behavioral health issues. According to a 2021 survey by Truth Initiative, 81% of 15- to 24-year-olds reported started using e-cigarettes to manage feelings of anxiety, stress, or depression, believing that it will help them relax or boost their mood. Unfortunately, the truth is that nicotine disrupts the brain’s neurotransmitter systems, which can worsen mood regulation and increase feelings of anxiety and depression. This effect is especially pronounced in young people whose brains are still developing, making them more vulnerable to the long-term mental health effects of nicotine addiction.
The Effects of Nicotine
People experiencing nicotine withdrawal can feel irritable, anxious, and depressed, all symptoms that are temporarily alleviated when they get the dose of nicotine their brains crave. This can create a self-reinforcing cycle: nicotine is used to cope with stress, but it ultimately causes more stress, intensifying both the addiction and the underlying mental health symptoms. As a result, research has shown that many mistakenly believe that tobacco products relieve stress and anxiety.
Tobacco Use and Mental Health
Tobacco treatment should be a particular focus for people with diagnosed mental illnesses, who consume 40% of cigarettes in the United States despite being only about 25% of the population. Research has shown that most people who smoke want to quit, and, in spite of misconceptions, that does include many people with behavioral health challenges. For instance, one survey found that more than 90% of psychiatrists at four community mental health centers patients said their patients who smoked were not interested in quitting. When asked, however, four out of five of those patients stated they were interested in decreasing or quitting smoking.
Patients of all ages who report interest in quitting tobacco products can be referred to 1-800-QUIT-NOW, known in Kentucky as Quit Now Kentucky. This is a confidential tobacco treatment service offered through the Kentucky Department for Public Health, 24 hours per day at no cost to the caller. Enrollees receive at least five calls from a quit coach with personalized tips on how to quit and stay quit successfully and how to access nicotine replacement therapy. Some participants may also qualify to receive nicotine replacement therapy such as patches, gum or lozenges shipped directly to their home. Using a quitline or nicotine replacement therapy can double a person’s chances of quitting smoking successfully.
Multiple Resources
Quit Now Kentucky offers additional resources to the 57% of enrollees who report having a behavioral health condition. To better support these individuals, the program offers a behavioral health protocol that includes seven telephone coaching sessions over three months. These sessions focus on stress management, coping skills, and creating a personalized quit plan. Enrollees in the Quit Now Kentucky behavioral health protocol also receive nicotine replacement therapy at no cost (if not contraindicated).
This tailored approach has proven effective for individuals with anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders. Participants also receive a Welcome Package with educational materials and a workbook, My Quit Journey, to guide them through the quitting process. Healthcare providers can refer patients to Quit Now Kentucky, helping them access the support they need to quit successfully. Web referral is available at QuitNowKentucky.org.
Earn CME Credits
Quit Now Kentucky also offers continuing education credits to doctors, pharmacists and registered nurses interested in learning more about how tobacco treatment can help patients. Topics include the Medicaid cessation benefit, how to talk to patients about e-cigarettes and how to help patients with chronic conditions quit smoking. These resources are available at quitlogixeducation. org/kentucky.
By including a referral to Quit Now Kentucky as part of a comprehensive approach to tobacco treatment, providers can offer patients the possibility of reduced stress, anxiety, and depression, while also increasing their chances of long-term recovery and well-being. With resources like Quit Now Kentucky, healthcare providers have the tools they need to guide patients on their journey to a tobacco-free life.