Conducted by researchers at Indiana University in conjunction with other universities, the study titled, “Intersectionality of serious psychological distress, cigarette smoking, and substance use disorders in the United States: 2008–2018,” reiterated that mental health problems are more than twice as common among smokers and adults with substance use disorder, in comparison to those without substance use disorder and do not smoke.
To this effect, concluded the researchers, smoking and mental health problems should be treated together. “Our study shows that there is a need for consistency in treating mental health, smoking and substance use problems together,” said Maria Parker, assistant professor at the IU School of Public Health-Bloomington and lead author of the study. “Smoking cessation does not undermine progress made in mental health or substance use treatment programs.”
Besides the link between smoking and mental health, research has also highlighted that sufferers of mental issues are more likely to find it harder to quit. Hence why, they benefit greatly from having extra support in relation to smoking cessation and access to safer alternatives, that would at least decrease the likelihood of them also suffering from smoke-related conditions.
Australian psychiatrists want their smoking patients to have access to vapes
In fact Australian psychiatrists have long advocated against the harsh ban on nicotine-containing vaping products across Australia. They have been pointing out how switching to the proven safer alternatives could improve their patients’ quality of life.
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP), have rightly argued that mentally unwell individuals have a higher tendency to smoke, than healthier members of society. Hence, this group would benefit greatly from having access to the safer alternatives.
“E-cigarettes … provide a safer way to deliver nicotine to those who are unable to stop smoking, thereby minimising the harms associated with smoking tobacco and reducing some of the health disparities,” said the organization in 2017. “The RANZCP therefore supports a cautious approach that takes into account …the significant health benefits which these products present.”
Source：VapingPost
