According to findings of a recent study , 70 percent of all cigarettes consumed are smoked by psychiatrically ill individuals. Researchers studied nearly 43,000 psychiatric patients living in and out of group homes to explore the correlation between patients' mental disorders and their nicotine and drug use.
Results showed 28 percent of patients used any tobacco product, 25 percent smoked cigarettes, and 12 percent were nicotine dependent. Nicotine dependence was most prevalent among those with alcohol and drug problems. More than 50 percent of the patients who used drugs and more than 30 percent of those who had an alcohol disorder reported nicotine dependence. About 30 percent of those with a mood disorder also reported nicotine dependence.Researchers conclude saying that the results of their study highlight the importance of focusing smoking cessation efforts on individuals who are nicotine dependent, individuals who have psychiatric disorders, and individuals who have comorbid nicotine dependence and other psychiatric disorders.
