#78. The Complexity of Smoking in Mental Health And Addiction Services - Dr. Zoe Swithenbank

Smooth Brain Society

Smooth Brain Society
#78. The Complexity of Smoking in Mental Health And Addiction Services - Dr. Zoe Swithenbank
Dec 25, 2025 Season 2 Episode 78
Smooth Brain Society

Dr. Zoe Swithenbank, a senior research associate at Lancaster University, delves into her work at the intersection of mental health, addiction, and public health. Zoe's research focuses on treatment pathways for individuals with alcohol use and mental health challenges. She highlights the structural barriers in accessing care and the need for long-term support in smoking cessation, which is often not included in core treatment services. Zoe advocates for a more integrated approach to addiction and mental health services, emphasizing the role of lived experience in shaping effective interventions. Her work also explores the social norms around smoking within recovery communities and the importance of empowering individuals to make choices that support their recovery journey.


00:00 Introducing Dr. Zoe Swithenbank
02:18 The Role of Smoking Cessation in Recovery
08:55 Barriers in Addiction and Mental Health Care
11:55 The Intersection of Mental Health and Addiction
25:19 Qualitative Research in Addiction Studies
33:57 Navigating Diverse Perspectives in Qualitative Research
37:00 Balancing Scientific Rigor with Human Experience
40:10 Understanding Service Provider Perspectives
42:52 Challenging Stigma in Addiction and Mental Health
49:40 Rethinking Smoking Cessation Outcomes
50:42 Long-Term Studies in Substance Use Treatment
54:30 Future Directions in Research and Service Delivery

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