Updated 2024 version of The Learning about Healthy Living Manual

An updated 2024 version of The Learning About Healthy Living: Tobacco and You (LAHL) treatment manual is available for free at the link below.  The LAHL manual was originally developed in 2004, and updated in 2012, as an educational and motivational group curriculum on tobacco that was tailored for people with mental health conditions.  It consists of 2 separate group treatment tracks and includes background chapters, and a Facilitator guide for those implementing the groups.  

Although the emphasis is on addressing tobacco, this manual includes sections on other aspects of healthy living including improving diet, increasing activity, and managing stress. The treatment can be implemented by a broad range of professionals and paraprofessionals in clinical and nonclinical settings.  Learning About Healthy Living is widely used in mental health programs across the country and implementation studies indicate it has been feasible to use and well-received by clients and staff (Williams et al., 2009; Lee et al., 2011).  

This 2024 Version of LAHL includes many updates from the field of treating tobacco use disorder including two new sessions on topics of harm reduction, e-cigarettes and vaping. The manual also includes updated changes to treatment that reflect best practices, including new approaches for reduce-to-quit strategies and use of first-line medication algorithms. Mindfulness meditation is added as a coping strategy, and we have revised guidelines for healthy eating and activity. Track 1 can be thought of a pre-cessation treatment, since it assumes that some will not be immediately ready to quit but has the overall goal of helping people make healthier choices and a move towards a tobacco-free lifestyle. Track 2, which is a separate group treatment for those who want to attempt abstinence, has been enhanced with more sessions, detailed handouts for clients and background information for clinicians delivering the treatment.  Medication education handouts, a revised assessment tool that includes vaping, and sample treatment plans are included as additional resources.