Implementing Smoking Cessation Into Your Social Work Practice

In the United States, smoking continues to be the leading cause of preventable death (www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/fast_facts/). Although smoking rates have declined overall, individuals with mental health and substance use disorders disproportionately use tobacco products, affecting long-term health and lifespan. Social workers are in a unique position to advance smoking cessation efforts in their work with individuals, families and communities.

Studies show that most smokers desire to quit and the biggest intervention is to ask about their intention, and then provide resources such as a quitline phone number, like 800.QUIT.NOW.

https://naswcanews.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/OTHER-NEWS-NASW-SmokingCessation-PP-post-April-27.pdf