Patient smoking cessation--treatment strategies

Smoking is one of the major health issues of our century. It is clearly a detrimental health behavior that costs millions of dollars annually and undisputed morbidity and mortality. There is considerable interest among health care providers in assisting smokers in the cessation of this destructive personal habit. This article covers indirect measures (including environmental strategies) and direct measures to influence the smoking behavior of patients. Direct measures covered include the most appropriate delivery of anti-smoking information, an evaluation of legitimate and organized smoking cessation resources, and tips on assisting patients with their smoking cessation and cessation maintenance efforts. Through an understanding of the individual patient, his or her unique history and needs, and the basic design of the most popular smoking cessation strategies, the clinician can most effectively assist patients in the initiation, development and maintenance of patient cigarette smoking cessation efforts.