A study released by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is more evidence that people with mental illness are uniquely vulnerable to nicotine addiction and its gruesome consequences. According to their research, people suffering from a mental illness were 70% more likely to be smokers than the general population. 36% of adults with a diagnosed mental health disorder admitted to smoking, while only 21% of adults with no known mental health disorders admitted to the same.
The American Psychological Association (APA) reports that individuals with a mental illness also smoke more cigarettes per day and for a longer duration of time than other smokers. Perhaps this helps explain why people with mental illness who are treated in the public healthcare system have a shorter life expectancy that is an astonishing 25 years less than those without mental illness. In fact, it is estimated that smoking kills approximately 200,000 Americans suffering from mental illness every year.
Combined, people with mental health and/or substance use disorders smoke a shocking 44.3% of all cigarettes in America. Sadly, if left untreated, it is likely that all three of these issues will just continue to grow in severity.
At the Asana Recovery Center, we offer a supervised detoxification and residential treatment program in a supportive, relaxing, and inspiring environment. Call us at (949) 438-4504 to learn more about our motivational facilities and find out whether our comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment program may be right for you.
