[Combined modality therapeutic program for the control of smoking]

This investigation presents the results of a multimodal therapeutic programme for the cessation of smoking. The programme included the following elements: self-control techniques, education on a variety of issues on tobacco effects, group dynamic techniques, medical check up and pharmacological support. There were two treatment conditions, one included twelve sessions, and the other eight sessions. All groups received four follow-up sessions in a six month period. Ninety four subjects initiated treatment and 69 (73.4%) completed it. Twenty one subjects (22.3%) stopped smoking and remained abstinent after six months, eleven (11.7%) stopped smoking and relapsed and fourteen (14.7%) stopped smoking but did not attend the last follow-up sessions. Twenty three subjects (24.5%) did not stop smoking but reduced their smoking rate in 50% from initial report. These results were considered as satisfactory when compared with others obtained in similar studies.