Smoking by Patients

The Effect of a Restricted Smoking Policy on Motivation to Quit Smoking in Psychiatric Patients

“…It is possible that a complete smoking ban would be more effective than schemes for restricting smoking to specific intervals, since previous research suggests that (a) drug craving may actually be attenuated when there is no possibility of reinforcement 13 and (b) total smoking bans may enhance patients' motivations to quit smoking. 11,12 Supplying nicotine replacement products and instructions for their use in the context of a complete ban may be a better method of dealing with the competing needs of hospitalized smokers and nonsmokers, and more likely to promote interest in cessation, than restricted smoking policies such as the one described in this report.…”

“…10 Furthermore, smoking bans may enhance patients' motivations to quit smoking. 11,12 Research suggests that, at least with respect to opiate addiction, drug craving may actually be attenuated when there is no possibility of reinforcement. 13 With respect to nicotine addiction, an analogous situation would occur under a complete smoking ban on an inpatient psychiatric unit.…”