Tobacco Cessation Strategies: It Takes a Village

Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death and chronic diseases in the U.S. Identifying smokers and providing appropriate intervention is therefore an integral part of each clinic visit. A combination of pharmacotherapy as well as behavioral counseling provides the best results. Pharmacotherapy includes nicotine replacement (patch, gum, lozenges), bupropion and varenicline. More recently, electronic nicotinic delivery systems (such as e-cigarettes, vaporizers/vape pens, and hookah pens) have become popular. Behavioral counseling includes identifying barriers to quitting or risk factors for relapse, and developing effective strategies to deal with these issues. A successful program requires a team-based approach, enlisting the help of adjuvant staff to reinforce cessation counseling and provide support services. The South Dakota Quitline is one of many good resources that the clinician can utilize to help with cessation and has one of the best quit rates in the nation.