[Nicotine dependence therapy: medical counselling and other non pharmacological interventions]

Cigarette smoking and nicotine dependence represent a complex disease. In the treatment program design the combination of non pharmacological and pharmacological therapy, the concurrence of physicians and other health professionals has been demonstrated the most successful therapeutic approach. This article reviews the main evidence based non pharmacological interventions. Social support request, self-monitoring and smoking behaviour modification are cornerstones of the preparation to quit. Post cessation counselling is mainly focused on problem solving activities. The complementary use of exercise and relaxation training is also evaluated.