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Study: Those with mental illness more likely to smoke

By WEEK Producer

Study: Those with mental illness more likely to smoke

February 5, 2013 Updated Feb 5, 2013 at 3:14 PM CDT

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Smoking rates are significantly higher among adults with a mental illness, according to researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The new report finds adults with some form of mental illness have smoking rates 70 percent higher than those without an illness.

They smoke more cigarettes each month and are less likely to quit.

Experts say one in five Americans has a mental illness, defined as a mental, behavioral or emotional disorder.

The researchers say more effort needs to be made to combat smoking among this population and promote anti-smoking options.

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