Smoking cessation interventions in substance use disorders treatment centers of Catalonia: The abandoned addiction

Abstract

Substance use disorders (SUD) treatment centers are an optimal setting for delivering smoking cessation interventions (SCI). This study aimed to examine the adoption of SCI in SUD treatment centers in Catalonia (Spain) as well as to assess their managers' views on the appropriateness and feasibility of providing SCI. Managers directly in charge of SUD treatment centers (n = 57) answered a 30-item on-line questionnaire. Data was obtained of 50 centers (87.7% response rate). Forty-six per cent of the centers provided some kind of SCI, but only 4.8% of the new patients were treated for smoking cessation. Managers reported that 73.3% of mental health professionals working in SUD centers had not been trained in SCI. Sixty-four per cent of managers agreed that all health professionals should deliver SCI. Those centers offering SCI attended more patients and were more likely to have professionals trained in SCI than those not offering SCI. The implementation of SCI in SUD treatment centers in Catalonia was suboptimal. Continuing education and training should be provided for all health professionals working in SUD centers. Not systematically delivering SCI to patients in treatment for other SUD means missing opportunities to reduce health and economic costs while perpetuating a smoking culture.