Health and Wellness Leads : Tobacco Cessation

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

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

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

The instructor must 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.

Evaluation of success is at times very dubious in smoking cessation programs. Measurement of success should include participation rate, including the number implementing 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.