A review of the US Public Health Service–sponsored Clinical Guideline: Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence: 2008 Update

Abstract

Tobacco dependence is a chronic disease that deserves treatment. Effective strategies have now been identified and should be used with every current and former smoker. The Quick Reference Guide for Clinicians provides point of care access and the tools necessary to effectively identify and assess tobacco use, and to treat tobacco users willing to quit; those who are currently unwilling to quit; and those who are former tobacco users. The experience of the past four decades has culminated in a transformed culture that maintains as its social norm a plethora of public, private and nonprofit venues of anti-tobacco infrastructure. Moreover, there is likely no clinical treatment available today that has the potential to reduce illness, prevent death, and increase quality of life more profoundly than the tobacco treatment interventions outlined in the US Public Health Service Clinical Practice Guideline for Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence.