Millions of people in the United States struggle with addiction. Drug and alcohol addictions are complex conditions requiring comprehensive care. People who struggle with substance abuse or addiction typically require treatment and ongoing support to stop and avoid relapse.

While many people live with addiction, few get the treatment they need to recover from it. Some people may wonder if they’ll have to give up smoking or vaping if they go to rehab. Fear of having to stop smoking or vaping may keep people from getting help.

This article will explore if people can smoke or vape in rehab. You will learn:

  • What to expect in a rehab program
  • If people in rehab can smoke or vape
  • Rules about smoking or vaping in rehab
  • How to determine if you need addiction treatment
  • How to find a rehab that allows smoking or vaping
  • Where to find treatment and recovery support programs

If you or someone you love lives with substance abuse or mental health conditions, you are not alone. Contact the First Step Behavioral Health specialists to explore our treatment programs or to schedule an intake appointment.

What Happens in Rehab?

Each person has unique needs during rehab and recovery. There are many different types of treatment and levels of care to meet a wide range of needs. Levels of rehab include:

Inpatient rehab facilities provide round-the-clock care and access to treatment. Outpatient programs offer different levels of treatment and allow people to live at home while participating in care.

Rehab centers may offer multiple levels of care. Each level of care provides a different type of treatment. However, typical rehab treatment plans include:

  • Assessments and screenings
  • Behavioral therapies
  • Mental health treatment
  • Medications to manage withdrawal symptoms
  • Group, family, and individual counseling
  • Relapse prevention education
  • Coping skills
  • Holistic therapies like mindfulness, nutrition support, and creative expression
  • Aftercare planning and support programs

Many people attend inpatient substance use disorder (SUD) programs before moving into outpatient care.

Can I Smoke in Rehab?

People may wonder if they will be allowed to smoke cigarettes or vape in rehab. Each treatment facility has different rules. However, some do allow people to continue smoking or vaping while in treatment.

Many treatment facilities also offer smoking cessation programs to help people reduce or stop smoking during rehab. These programs typically follow Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines and may include:

People in some rehab programs may have the option to continue smoking or vaping.

What are the Rules About Smoking or Vaping in Rehab?

Treatment facilities that allow smoking or vaping may have rules about this. Here are some of the potential rules people in rehab may have to follow.

Smoke only at certain stages of treatment

Some treatment facilities require people to abstain from all chemicals, including tobacco or nicotine products, during detox. People may receive nicotine patches or other alternatives to help them manage cravings and other symptoms throughout detox.

Smoke only in designated areas

Some rehab facilities may designate specific areas for smoking or vaping. This can keep cigarette smoke contained in one area, away from other residents and staff.

Smoke only at specific times

Some rehab programs allow people to smoke or vape during scheduled breaks between therapies. This ensures that therapy sessions and other activities may occur without interruptions.

Contact the First Step Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our rehab facility or to explore your treatment options.

Do I Need Addiction Treatment?

It can be challenging to recognize the signs of substance use disorder (SUD). However, substance abuse and addiction can change how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. Here are some signs of addiction to watch for in yourself or a loved one:

  • Needing to use more of a substance to get the desired effects
  • Spending a lot of time and energy getting, using, and recovering from using drugs or alcohol
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you stop using drugs or alcohol
  • Having new or worsening mental health symptoms 
  • Legal, social, or financial problems related to substance use
  • Doing illegal or dishonest things to get more of a substance
  • Having cravings for a substance
  • Continuing to use drugs or alcohol, even when it causes significant problems in your life
  • Wanting to stop but feeling like you can’t do it on your own

Overcoming addiction can be challenging. However, having support and treatment can help you work toward long-term recovery. Seek treatment as soon as you recognize substance abuse.

How Can I Find a Rehab That Allows Smoking or Vaping?

If you or someone you love struggles with addiction, you are not alone. First Step Behavioral Health offers comprehensive treatment programs that allow people to smoke or vape in designated areas while receiving care. Contact our treatment specialists to learn more about our programs or to schedule an appointment.

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