Smoking Cessation Support
Several different options are available for support. Hospitals, community health departments, and local social service agencies often have smoking cessation (or tobacco cessation) programs. In addition to providing information about the health and financial costs of nicotine addiction, these programs can explain the different options for quitting and offer support such as group meetings and individual counseling.
Online (Internet) quitting networks can also offer support. These networks provide access to others who are at different stages of quitting. Members of the networks communicate with each other by posting and replying to messages on an electronic bulletin board (or chat room) and through personal email. Most of these networks are free and can be accessed anytime of the day or night.
An online search using the term "smoking cessation" should provide a listing of available networks. A word of caution for using these networks: Some are set up as a vehicle for selling a product and the information they supply may not be accurate. Ask a qualified healthcare professional before consulting an online quitting network for more advice.
Individual counseling is another option for support. Most individual counselors, licensed social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists are skilled in helping people break addictive behaviors. Consult your health plan or local yellow pages for listings of mental health professionals in your area.
Physician-developed and -monitored.
Original Date of Publication: 15 Jul 2006
Reviewed by: Karen Larson, M.D.,Stanley J. Swierzewski, III, M.D.
Last Reviewed: 15 Jul 2006
Smoking, Quit Smoking Support reprinted with permission from cardiologychannel.com
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