The Harmony Group is the only group of treatment centres in South Africa to adhere to a tobacco-free policy, encouraging and assisting its clients to stop smoking during treatment.

Policy for clients
Clients may only smoke in clearly designated areas outside the building, during primary care. All clients are encouraged to join the Tobacco Recovery Programme, which includes medically supervised withdrawal management, support groups, peer to peer support, counselling and education. Support and ongoing counselling is offered at all levels of treatment. The Group has had a good success rate, and many clients have expressed gratitude at being afforded the opportunity to quit smoking at the same time as other substances.

Sponsored clients, for obvious financial reasons, are required to join the Tobacco Recovery Programme from the inception of treatment and may not smoke while in the Harmony Group’s care. They are afforded a high level of medical and emotional support through this process, and many have regarded it as a privilege.

Staff
No staff members may smoke on any of the properties, or within 50 metres of them. All staff members sign a commitment to stopping smoking within three months of starting employment at the Harmony Group.