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There doesn't appear to be any research supporting the contention that alcoholics should not try to quit smoking at the same time as they are attempting to quit drinking. However, the belief that patients in addiction treatment do not want to stop is challenged by recent surveys finding most patients entering drug treatment do express an interest in quitting smoking when asked. Some staff members are even known to smoke alongside patients, further normalising tobacco addiction and perhaps even enhancing its perceived value as a therapeutic aid. That treatment providers and their staff tend to believe and operate according to these myths has kept smoking interventions out of substance abuse programmes, and commonly, providers don't even discuss with their patients the issues of tobacco dependence and quitting. It is widely accepted that people in treatment either do not want to stop smoking, wouldn't be able to stop if they tried, or may relapse to other drug use if they make the attempt.
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There are a number of prevalent myths about substance abusers and smoking. Unfortunately, New Zealand addiction treatment services tend to ignore this important addiction, and Mythbusters say this needs to change - starting with some of the things we believe. This means clients in substance abuse treatment are at much higher risk from smoking-related illnesses or death. Te Rau Hinengaro - the 2006 mental health survey reveals around 56 percent of people with a substance use disorder are smokers compared to 24 percent in the general population. Who says people undergoing addiction treatment can't give up smoking? Mythbusters reveals new evidence and research challenging the myths that have kept smoking interventions out of substance abuse programmes for so long. Briefing to the Incoming Parliament 2020.