Health Handouts : Tobacco Cessation

It is recommended that tobacco cessation programs subscribe to the Code Of Practice for Tobacco Cessation Programs.

Smoking cessation programs must be multi-component with a focus on skills to build positive voluntary behavior modification practices. Useful techniques include instituting reasons for quitting, understanding the smoking habit, various techniques for stopping and remaining a non-smoker, overcoming the problems of quitting, short-term goal setting, weight control, stress management, effect of exercise, relationship of alcohol consumption to urges to use tobacco. Use no aversive or scare tactics.

In programs that use aids such as the “patch” or medications such as “Zyban” appropriate consultation must be available on the usage of these aids.

The instructor ought to have formal training in tobacco cessation from a nationally recognized business such as American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, American Lung Association, or a nationally recognized commercial program such as Smoke Enders.

Assessment of success is sometimes very dubious in smoking cessation programs. Measurement of success must include participation rate, including the number starting the program, the number completing the program, and the average number per session. Also included, number and percent who stopped smoking at the end of the program, and the number and percent who had not resumed smoking by the end of one year.