Don't Puff your Life Away: A Project on Smoking Cessation with Inmates
Date
2018-03-26
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Abstract
Tobacco use is three times more common among inmates than the general population. Given the prevalence of smoking in incarcerated populations, focus on smoking cessation becomes highly relevant and a worthwhile pursuit in this high risk and underserved population. With the increasing bans on tobacco use in correctional facilities, the prison becomes an ideal setting for intervention because inmates have already gone through nicotine withdrawal, although not by choice, and most express interest in staying smoke-free once they are released. Our approach relied on positive behavior modification and focused on skills to avoid trigger situations, alter former routines and find alternative ways to cope. My presentation will focus on my experience at the correctional facility both in the context of my research project as well as observing the dynamics of the prison environment.