Tobacco Education and Prevention Program (TEPP)

The Tobacco Education and Prevention Program (TEPP) addresses the issue of nicotine addiction, especially among persons with disabilities or persons undergoing substance use disorder treatment. Persons with disabilities tend to smoke more than persons without disabilities. And, a high percentage of persons entering substance use disorder treatment report being nicotine dependent.

Our Recent Findings

Historically substance abuse treatment programs have not addressed tobacco cessation. Thus, the goal of TEPP is to incorporate smoking cessation within the treatment milieu in order to improve health and increase chances for sobriety.

An investigation was conducted among 791 participants who underwent a TEPP tobacco education/smoking cessation curriculum over the past two years. Findings indicated that 91.7 percent were current tobacco users. The overwhelming majority (82 percent) used tobacco in the form of cigarettes. Of the 725 tobacco users, 67 percent reported some intentions to quit smoking. Therefore it was evident to us that the issue of nicotine dependence be addressed in conjunction with substance use disorder treatment.

Through our partnership with the Miami Valley Health Improvement Council (MVHIC), we are able to offer smoking cessation to those individuals undergoing alcohol and drug treatment throughout the Miami Valley area.

The Tobacco Education and Prevention Program (TEPP) consists of four modules.

• The facts about tobacco and smoking: the hazards of smoking, as well as the chemicals found in cigarettes or cigarette smoke are discussed.
• How tobacco is connected to other substances: consumers learn the similarities between tobacco and others substances such marijuana, stimulants, and other drugs.
• The financial cost of smoking: consumers estimate how much money they have spent on tobacco over their life time. Tobacco marketing strategies are explained and discussed.
• Tips and triggers: strategies for quitting tobacco products are discussed, and triggers for smoking relapse are identified.

What's Coming

The Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services (ODADAS) chose the CAM Program in August, 2005 as one of three pilot programs state-wide to address tobacco cessation for persons in substance use disorder treatment.

The Tobacco Dependence Project, funded by ODADAS, will include individual and group counseling, as well as assistance with nicotine replacement therapy.