Implementing a nicotine-free policy in the United States military
APA Citation:
Lang, A. E., & Yakhkind, A. (2022). Implementing a nicotine-free policy in the United States military. Chest, 161(3), 845–852. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chest.2021.09.020
Focus:
Substance use
Programming
Branch of Service:
Army
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Subject Affiliation:
Active duty service member
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Authors:
Lang, Adam Edward, Yakhkind, Aleksandra
Abstract:
In December 2019, the command of a US Army Advanced Individual Training battalion on Fort Eustis, Virginia, was briefed on the results of tobacco and nicotine use surveys distributed to trainee soldiers and subsequently decided to ban tobacco and nicotine products in this population. The policy implementation process was thoroughly planned in a joint effort between battalion leadership and the installation military health facility. Data were collected throughout the process that evaluated nicotine product use among trainee soldiers, instructors, and leaders. Preferences on assistance with quitting and views on policy implementation processes also were collected. Comprehensive and multimodal resources and therapy to assist with treatment of dependence of tobacco and nicotine were offered. Although more data are needed on outcomes of this type of intervention, addressing tobacco and nicotine use in the military is long overdue, and our intervention offers a reproducible model to do so. It incorporates education, behavioral resources, and medication therapy with the aim to improve long-term quit rates and to improve the health of soldiers throughout and after their careers.
Publisher/Sponsoring Organization:
Science Direct
Publication Type:
Article
Author Affiliation:
Department of Primary Care, McDonald Army Health Center, AEL
Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania Health System, AY
Keywords:
e-cigarettes, nicotine, smoking, tobacco, vaping