Can You Smoke Cigarettes During Inpatient Rehab?

If you smoke cigarettes but require treatment at an inpatient rehab center for addiction, the treatment facility may offer outdoor areas for you to smoke. However, you may decide to take this time to quit smoking while you are also participating in a drug rehab program.

Many people living with addiction, as well as those in the addiction recovery world, smoke cigarettes. Before going to rehab, you may wonder if smoking is allowed. Here’s what you need to know.

Smoking Cigarettes In Rehab

Many drug and alcohol rehab centers allow smoking outside of the treatment facility. In fact, there are likely designated smoking areas at the rehab you attend.

However, some rehab facilities do not allow smoking, vaping, or tobacco products of any kind. Tobacco use may be prohibited at the drug rehab.

Although smoking may sometimes be allowed at the rehab you choose, consider using this time to quit smoking. While receiving substance abuse treatment at an inpatient addiction rehab center, you can work on overcoming unhealthy habits like smoking.

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Should You Stop Smoking During Rehab?

Inpatient care helps prevent drug use as you are required to remain on-site throughout the duration of the drug addiction treatment program. While in this comfortable environment surrounded by healthcare professionals, you may wonder if you should give up cigarette smoking.

Rehab centers may offer nicotine patches to help you slowly taper off cigarettes and help reduce your cravings for tobacco as well as your nicotine addiction. Staff members will likely monitor you during this process.

Remember Your First Priority

Some treatment centers may allow smoking as it can be used as a coping mechanism when detoxing from more serious drugs such as methamphetamine or opioids. 

Additionally, the first priority in rehab is preventing further drug and alcohol use for those suffering from addiction. This means that patients should first focus on addressing the addiction they’re getting help for, potentially leaving cigarette smoking cessation for another time.

Inpatient Treatment Options

Inpatient care provides routine treatment in a peaceful setting. As an inpatient, you remain at the treatment center 24/7 to receive healthcare, monitoring and support by staff.

Medical Detoxification

During your time as an inpatient, one of the first, short-term treatments may consist of medical detox. During detox, your body is replenished and nourished, leaving the harmful chemicals caused by drug abuse behind.

Withdrawal symptoms can occur during this process. Those participating in tobacco smoking cessation may also experience withdrawal which can lead to intense cravings.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

As part of behavioral health treatment, you can participate in various therapy programs determined by your doctor. 

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) allows you to speak with an individual about your addiction and learn about recovery techniques. Group therapy may also be an option.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Inpatient care can provide intensive treatment options as a requirement for those with co-occurring disorders. 

If you suffer from co-occurring disorders such as a substance use disorder and mental health disorder, dual diagnosis treatment may be a treatment option for you to consider.

Aftercare Resources

During the drug and alcohol addiction recovery process, your treatment provider may offer aftercare resources in the form of follow-up therapy or 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA).

If you or a loved one are struggling with drug addiction, consider Ohio Recovery Center. At our treatment center, we offer numerous inpatient rehab programs. Contact us today to speak with our treatment specialists who can help find the treatment plan that’s right for you.

  1. American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11475474/
  2. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4414703/
  3. Oxford Journals: Nicotine and Tobacco Research https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3103720/

Written by Ohio Recovery Center Editorial Team

Published on: November 8, 2023

© 2024 Ohio Recovery Center | All Rights Reserved

* This page does not provide medical advice.

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