Veterans with PTSD smoke at higher rates than Veterans who don't have PTSD. Scientific studies have shown that PTSD and smoking are "linked" so that each problem seems to make the other one worse. VA is committed to helping Veterans with PTSD stop smoking.
People who smoke are more likely than non-smokers to have:
- Anxiety
- Panic
- Stress
- Depression
A study of over 900 Veterans conducted at VA medical centers across the country found that smokers with PTSD were better able to quit smoking if they received counseling to stop smoking from their PTSD providers. VA developed a program to train PTSD providers to counsel their patients to quit smoking. Use the information on this site and ask your PTSD provider for help.
