|
Persons with mental illness smoke half
of all cigarettes produced, and are only half as likely
to quit as other smokers. More than 44 percent of adults with serious mental illness are smokers, compared with about 20 percent for society at large. Half
of related deaths (200,000) are among people with mental illnesses. Studies shows that people with serious mental illness die 25 years before the general population. Concurrently,
this population experiences higher rates of disease and premature
death and a reduced quality of life. Most will die
from smoking-caused diseases.
Recognizing the importance of addressing this underserved population, the Smoking Cessation Leadership Center is working with an array of partners to achieve norm change regarding smoking intervention for those with behavioral health issues, including mental illnesses and substance use disorders.
|
