the Scoop on Smoking :: couseling and support gateway page

the bottom line

There are several forms of counseling and support available that can help smokers cope with the physical, mental, and behavioral aspects of quitting. Counseling and support are an integral part of the quitting process and can be used either alone or in combination with drug therapy.

All smokers trying to quit should consider counseling in order to address some of the behavioral hardships associated with cessation. Counseling can help a smoker learn practical tactics that are effective in treating tobacco dependence. The smoker needs to recognize situations that may trigger relapse. These may include being in the presence of other smokers, whether at home or in a social situation; drinking alcohol, which is a common initiator of smoking in many individuals; and experiencing stressful situations. These situations will vary from one smoker to the next. Counseling can help smokers identify these smoking "cues" and develop behavioral coping skills to learn how to break the link to what urges them to smoke. For example, asking friends and family to avoid smoking when you're around can help you cope with avoiding temptation. Also, committing to lifestyle changes that increase pleasure and reduce stress, such as increased exercise and taking up a hobby, can help in a difficult situation.

Many different types of counseling are available, ranging from individual sessions to support groups and telephone counseling. Any communication directed towards encouraging the smoker to quit seems to be of some benefit, and the USPHS recommends using at least one type.(6) Using multiple forms of counseling or support may be even more effective.

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Treatment types alone alone gateway page drug drug therapies gateway page bupropion sr nicotine gum nicotine inhaler nicotine nasal spray nicotine patch counseling couseling and support gateway page aversive smoking individual counseling internet programs self help support groups telephone counseling alternative "alternative" therapies gateway page acupuncture herbal remedies hypnosis references	couseling and support gateway page treatment type: counseling the bottom line There are several forms of counseling and support available that can help smokers cope with the physical, mental, and behavioral aspects of quitting. Counseling and support are an integral part of the quitting process and can be used either alone or in combination with drug therapy. All smokers trying to quit should consider counseling in order to address some of the behavioral hardships associated with cessation. Counseling can help a smoker learn practical tactics that are effective in treating tobacco dependence. The smoker needs to recognize situations that may trigger relapse. These may include being in the presence of other smokers, whether at home or in a social situation; drinking alcohol, which is a common initiator of smoking in many individuals; and experiencing stressful situations. These situations will vary from one smoker to the next. Counseling can help smokers identify these smoking "cues" and develop behavioral coping skills to learn how to break the link to what urges them to smoke. For example, asking friends and family to avoid smoking when you're around can help you cope with avoiding temptation. Also, committing to lifestyle changes that increase pleasure and reduce stress, such as increased exercise and taking up a hobby, can help in a difficult situation. Many different types of counseling are available, ranging from individual sessions to support groups and telephone counseling. Any communication directed towards encouraging the smoker to quit seems to be of some benefit, and the USPHS recommends using at least one type.(6) Using multiple forms of counseling or support may be even more effective.