Health risk perceptions and reasons for use of tobacco products among clients in addictions treatment

Introduction:
This text is a summary of a scientific study examining the use and perceptions of tobacco products among clients in addiction treatment. The study includes a survey of 1153 clients and looks at the rates of use, health risk perceptions, and reasons for using various tobacco products. The key points from the study provide insight into the complex relationship between tobacco product use and perceptions of risk in this vulnerable population.

Key Points:

* The study found that 77.5% of clients in addiction treatment reported current cigarette smoking, which is significantly higher than the general population.
* Use of other tobacco products, such as e-cigarettes, cigars, little filtered cigars, and smokeless tobacco, was also higher among this population compared to the general population.
* Lower perceived health risk of cigarettes and e-cigarettes was associated with current use of those products.
* Smokeless tobacco users were more likely to report using at times when they can't smoke, while LFC/cigarillo and cigar users were more likely to report using for flavor/taste.
* E-cigarette users were more likely to report using to reduce or quit smoking, but the evidence for e-cigarettes as an effective smoking cessation aid is still inconclusive.
* The study highlights the need for addiction treatment programs to ask clients about cigarette smoking and use of other tobacco products, provide accurate health information, and inquire about client use of e-cigarettes to reduce or stop smoking.

Main Message:
The main message of this study is that tobacco product use, including e-cigarettes, is prevalent among clients in addiction treatment and is often associated with lower perceived health risks. The study highlights the need for addiction treatment programs to take a comprehensive approach to addressing tobacco product use, including assessing use of all tobacco products, providing accurate health information, and supporting harm reduction strategies such as switching to less harmful tobacco products. The findings also emphasize the need for further research into the effectiveness of e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation aid and the long-term health risks of non-combustible tobacco products.

Campbell, Barbara K., Thao Le, Noah R. Gubner, and Joseph Guydish. “Health Risk Perceptions and Reasons for Use of Tobacco Products among Clients in Addictions Treatment.” Addictive Behaviors 91 (April 2019): 149–55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2018.08.037.