If a dually-diagnosed client wants to quit smoking, what should you do?

When working with a dually-diagnosed client who wants to quit smoking, consulting with their physician regarding possible nicotine and medication interactions is a critical step in supporting their efforts. Dually-diagnosed individuals often deal with both substance use disorders and mental health issues, which may require specific medications for treatment. Nicotine and certain medications can interact in ways that could either diminish the effectiveness of treatment or exacerbate side effects.

By coordinating with the physician, you ensure that any nicotine replacement therapy or smoking cessation aids are safe and appropriate for the client’s overall treatment plan. This collaborative approach also emphasizes a holistic view of treatment, considering both their desire to quit smoking and the management of their other health concerns.

The other methods, while they may have some merit in a supportive environment, do not address the potential complexities involved with medications and health conditions specific to dually-diagnosed clients. Therefore, consulting with the physician is the most thorough and responsible course of action in this scenario.