Longstanding research indicates that continued tobacco use following substance use disorder treatment increases the likelihood of relapse. However, individuals in treatment for substance use disorders are often not interested in quitting tobacco use. A common response is “I have given up everything else and it is the last thing I have left.” This workshop will explore “Tobacco’s Relationship with other Substance Use: A Curriculum for Relapse Prevention Groups” which was developed for addiction treatment programs to use as part of an ongoing relapse prevention group. The curriculum is designed to help individuals in treatment for substance use disorders to reflect on the ways that tobacco use has been an important part of their other substance use history and to help them consider the impact of continued tobacco use on their long-term recovery from alcohol and other drugs. This interactive workshop will examine the treatment objectives of the curriculum in the context of the Stages of Change and the spirit of motivational interviewing. We will review the curriculum and participants will have a chance to discuss and practice curriculum activities using the core communication skills of MI to facilitate group discussions.
