Smoking is the number one cause of death in people with mental illness and tobacco use contributes to more deaths than the primary behavioral health condition. Helping people quit tobacco is the risk-factor intervention that will have the greatest impact on the health and wellness of individuals with behavioral health conditions.

In this Podcast we will discuss some of the barriers that prevent behavioral health organizations from fully embracing tobacco cessation treatment and the importance of incorporating cessation interventions along with other behavioral health services. Ms. Aubrey will share evidence-based strategies that encourage individuals to make a tobacco quit attempt and increase the likelihood of success with quitting. She will describe her experiences working with behavioral health organizations and Peer Recovery Specialists to expand access to tobacco cessation treatment.