Promoting tobacco cessation in the military: an example for primary care providers

The tobacco cessation program from one isolated duty station is presented. The cessation program used active duty Marines who wished to cease tobacco use. After completion of four classes, abstinence rates of 47% were obtained based on weekly follow-up self-reports for periods ranging from 7 to 32 weeks. Most relapses were noted in the first 2 weeks after quitting. The command expense was estimated at $165 per participant. Military health care professionals should actively participate in tobacco cessation regardless of access to specialized preventive medicine services. The cost benefit and optimal utilization of nicotine replacement therapy and newer tobacco cessation aids in active duty populations should be studied further.