INTEREST IN SMOKING CESSATION AMONG METHADONE-MAINTAINED OUTPATIENTS

The prevalence of cigarette smoking among opiate abusers is extremely high and tobacco related diseases are a major factor associated with m orbidity and mortality for this group. Yet, many treatment providers r emain reluctant to address smoking cessation with their clients due in part to the belief that substance abusers are not interested in quitt ing smoking. The present study examined self-reported interest in smok ing cessation among methadone maintenance clients (N = 120) in four cl inics in Los Angeles. Fifty-eight percent of subjects rated themselves as 'Somewhat' or 'Very Interested' in a smoking cessation program. Ov erall subjects appeared to accurately perceive the personal risks from tobacco smoking. In conclusion we find that clients in methadone main tenance treatment programs evidence a high level of interest in quitti ng smoking and may well be suited for a highly structured smoking cess ation intervention.