TP11 - Integrating Tobacco Treatment Services Within Florida's Behavioral Health Settings

Individuals with behavioral health disorders have an extremely high prevalence of tobacco use, yet tobacco cessation treatment is usually overlooked in behavioral health programs. Research continues to show the benefits of tobacco cessation in improving mental health and long-term abstinence rates from alcohol or illicit drugs. The Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Cessation Program at Florida State University College of Medicine (FSU COM) partnered with Tobacco Free Florida to offer a tailored cessation curriculum in treatment settings that has been utilized throughout the state for three years. This curriculum allows for flexibility, more intensive behavioral counseling and extended nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for the participants.