Rehab Centers That Allow Smoking or Vaping E-Cigarettes

Alcohol and drug misuse are major issues throughout the United States. Each year, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA) reports the number of people aged 12 or older with past-year substance use disorders (SUD) in the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). According to the 2021 NSDUH:¹  

• 46.3 million people had a substance use disorder (SUD).
• 29.5 million had an alcohol use disorder (AUD).
• 24.0 million had an illicit drug use disorder.
• 7.3 million had both an AUD and an illicit drug use disorder.

In addition, 61.6 million people (22.0%) reported using tobacco products or vaping nicotine in the past month.¹ While cigarette smokers make up the majority of that number (46.3 million), nicotine vaping has grown in popularity, with 13.2 million people using an e-cigarette or another vaping device to vape nicotine.¹

With millions of people struggling with SUD, the need for treatment is apparent. And while treatment is available and can help people take back control of their lives, many people wonder if there are rehab centers that allow smoking or vaping while in treatment.

Do Rehab Centers Allow Smoking Cigarettes?

In short: maybe. Rehab centers have different rules and requirements, but there is no overarching ban on smoking cigarettes. Some facilities may allow patients to smoke cigarettes, although policies vary. For facilities that allow smoking, there may be rules about where it is allowed at the facility. If you are looking for rehab centers that allow cigarette smoking, check with the individual facility to learn its policies.

Do Rehab Centers Allow Vaping E-Cigarettes?

In short: maybe. Like smoking cigarettes, rehab centers have different rules and requirements, but there is no overarching ban on vaping e-cigarettes. However, while some facilities may allow vaping of e-cigarettes, it is less likely that it is allowed than cigarette smoking. This is because it can be difficult to determine what is being smoked in a vape or e-cigarette. For facilities that allow vaping and e-cigarettes, there may be rules about where it is allowed at the facility. If you are looking for rehab centers that allow vaping, check with the individual facility to learn its policies.

Checking Your Insurance Benefits

Looking for addiction treatment can feel overwhelming. As you consider your options, knowing exactly what your insurance plan covers can give you peace of mind while you or your loved one is in rehab. You or your loved one can focus on recovery without worrying about unexpected costs. For more information on what your insurance plan covers, you can check your insurance online or fill out the form below to see if your insurance is accepted at an AAC facility.

Do Rehab Centers Allow Smoking Marijuana?

In short: no. While the use of marijuana is legal in some states, in many parts of the country it is still considered an illicit drug. Therefore, it would not be possible to smoke marijuana while in treatment for addiction. Even in the states where it is legal to smoke marijuana, it is likely not allowed while at a treatment facility.

Just as alcohol is a legal substance but is not allowed at rehab, so too is marijuana use prohibited at a treatment program. If you would like to receive treatment in a program where you can smoke marijuana, you should discuss this with a treatment specialist as they may be able to help you figure out the best treatment strategy for you, which may include treatment for marijuana misuse or addiction.

Should I Consider Quitting Smoking or Vaping During Recovery Treatment?

Smoking during treatment is common for many people as they attempt to recover from substance misuse or addiction. And while it may not cause additional problems for some people, the use of nicotine can become problematic in its own right as it can be addictive. If you find that you are misusing cigarettes or e-cigarettes in the same way you are misusing other substances, you may want to consider working to stop smoking or vaping as you work to stop the use of alcohol or drugs.

Attempting to address your nicotine use while also addressing your addiction to another substance may prove challenging. That doesn’t mean it isn’t something you should pursue, as many treatment facilities can help you with addiction to multiple substances, sometimes referred to as co-occurring disorder treatment. You can discuss your concerns with your doctor, a mental health practitioner, or a treatment specialist.

What If I Want To Quit Smoking or Vaping While in Rehab?

If you decide you want to quit smoking or vaping while in treatment, program staff can help you. It is possible to address addiction to various substances at the same time. Receiving treatment for addiction and stopping smoking or vaping is an option that you should discuss with a treatment specialist so that they can help tailor an individualized treatment plan to help you reach your various goals in rehab.

How to Find Rehab Centers Near Me That Allow Smoking or Vaping E-Cigarettes

Policies for smoking in rehab vary depending on the facility. To verify if a facility allows smoking, you can contact the facility ahead of time. If you aren’t sure where to begin your search, American Addiction Centers (AAC) is available 24/7 to answer your questions about treatment when you contact one of our admissions navigators at . AAC has various rehab facilities around the country that provide drug and alcohol addiction treatment that may allow cigarette smoking or e-cigarette vaping while in treatment.

• Desert Hope Treatment Center: Located in Las Vegas, Nevada.
• Greenhouse Treatment Center: Located in Grand Prairie, Texas.
• Laguna Treatment Center: Located in Orange County, California.
• Oxford Treatment Center: Located in Etta, Mississippi.
• River Oaks Treatment Center: Located in Riverview, Florida.
• Recovery First Treatment Center: Located in Hollywood, Florida.
• AdCare Rhode Island: Various facilities located in Rhode Island.

Questions to Ask the Facility When Getting in Contact

• Is cigarette smoking allowed at your facility?
• Is e-cigarette vaping allowed at your facility?
• What are your rules and restrictions regarding cigarettes and e-cigarettes?