Smoking is more common among people with mental illness than the general community. While 26% of Australians smoke, recent studies suggest that around 70% of people with serious mental illness smoke.¹

As a result of the high rates, people with mental illness have a 20 percent reduction in life expectancy, and heart disease is the most common cause of death. ²

Smoking is also a huge financial burden. Many people with mental illness spend a lot of their income on cigarettes and have very little left for food, accommodation, transport, health and recreation.


Why do people with schizophrenia smoke more?

People with mental illness, like many others, often smoke because they have learned to use it as a way of dealing with feelings such as boredom or stress. Also, some chemicals in cigarettes – particularly the highly addictive substance nicotine – may affect the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. As a consequence, smokers generally need higher doses of antipsychotic medication, which can lead to increased side effects. Some studies show that people with a history of depression need extra support when they try to quit smoking, in particular from a doctor. Some antidepressant medications can make quitting easier for someone who has experienced depression. ¹

Mental health treatment systems can also act to reinforce smoking and discourage cessation. Treatment providers sometimes don’t consider smoking to be a problem compared to mental disorders or other substance dependencies. ²

Further Information:

Smoking and Mental Health Resources for download

	Are you sick of smoking? An A5, 8 page brochure for people with mental illness who smoke tobacco.
	How can I support someone to address their smoking? An A5, 12 page brochure for family, friends, healthworkers and doctors who want to help people with mental illness to address tobacco.
	I’m giving it a go  An A4, 36 page booklet - a self help guide for people with mental illness who smoke tobacco and want to cut down or quit.
	Are you worried about smoking tobacco?  An A4 poster encouraging people to think about addressing tobacco smoking. Also available as an A5 handout.