That said, people can and do stop using tobacco successfully every day. There is life after nicotine addiction, and with education, support and time, freedom can be yours too, if you wish it to be.
Tobacco Cessation -- Getting Started
I had the opportunity to ask tobacco cessation consultant, Carol Southard a few questions via email recently about how to build a successful quit program.If you could, please tell our readers a bit about your background in tobacco cessation.
I am an RN, MSN and an American Lung Association certified instructor with over 25 years experience and proven treatment success. I am considered a pioneer in the field of tobacco cessation. I am on staff at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and serve as a Tobacco Cessation Consultant for Chicago area hospitals. I have published articles, chapters for text books, and presented numerous workshops and seminars for health professionals as well as for community groups on tobacco cessation throughout the nation and recently presented grand rounds at a hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. I am on the speakers bureau for Pfizer.
How does having a plan of action set up ahead of a person's quit date help their chance for success with smoking cessation?
It has been demonstrated in the literature that quitting on a pre-designated quit date is a more effective cessation approach than gradual reduction. I recommend setting a quit date within one to two weeks of the initial cessation consultation. This allows time for making plans not only on how to quit smoking, but on how to stay quit. I frequently tell my clients that quitting is like having a new job that will last about 3 months. The more plans one has on how to handle that job, the more in control one feels and the less stressful the process.
What should a well-rounded quit plan include?
Efficacious interventions are well demonstrated. Combining counseling and cessation pharmacotherapy along with a support network significantly improves quit rates.
Please share your thoughts on quitting cold turkey as well as the various quit aids available on the market today.
Cigarette smoking is both physically and psychologically addictive. In fact, studies show that nicotine is more addictive than heroin, cocaine or alcohol. Smokers who could "just quit" have done so.
The Clinical Practice Guideline for Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence published by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, upon which I base my approach, is considered the benchmark for cessation techniques and treatment delivery strategies. No matter the smoker's level of addiction, the guideline recommends that all persons attempting to quit should be encouraged to at least try one or more of the effective pharmacotherapies. I educate my clients that the goal of cessation pharmacotherapy is to alleviate or diminish the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. The more physically comfortable the person is, the more likely the smoker may make a serious quit attempt and succeed in permanently quitting. If a client decides to try cold turkey however, I support that decision and offer behavioral and cognitive quit assistance.
How important is support when quitting tobacco?
Support is extremely important. Most smokers feel like they are a failure, and are defensive, embarrassed, angry, etc. Quitting may be the most difficult thing anyone attempts. Therefore, the more positive encouragement and support one receives the higher the chance of success.
What steps can a person take to avoid a smoking relapse?
Plan ahead of the quit date on how to handle the times the person is most vulnerable to smoking. The most common cause of relapse is the thought "I can have just one". Seventy-five percent of relapse occurs around alcohol; fifty percent if a person lives, works or socializes with smokers. Most relapse occurs within the first 3 months of quitting so using a medication and obtaining quit treatment and support for that length of time can significantly decrease the chance of relapse.
Beyond the value of quitting smoking for the sake our health, can you comment on other rewards / benefits a person might expect to enjoy from smoking cessation?
The benefits are innumerable. My clients consistently say things like "I have more time, more money, more energy AND I AM FREE!" I honestly think that feeling in control of one's life again (rather than feeling beholden to a cigarette) must be the most amazing benefit of all.
From your Guide to About.com Smoking Cessation, Terry Martin:
Just as no two people are alike, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to quitting tobacco. While cold turkey works best for some, NRTs or prescription quit aids like Chantix or Zyban do the trick for others.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy:Chantix:Zyban: If you're interested in quitting, discuss tobacco cessation with your doctor about which quit aid is best suited for you personally. Combine it solid support and you are on your way.The Benefits of Tobacco Cessation
From improved health and vitality to increased self-esteem, the benefits of tobacco cessation are unlimited.- Improvements Since Quitting Tobacco -- Reader Responses
