Achieving Smoking Cessation in Nicotine-Dependent Individuals

Abstract

This article provides guidelines on the treatment of nicotine dependence and tobacco addiction that are based on the recent US Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR) Smoking Cessation Clinical Practice Guideline. Nicotine replacement therapy should be encouraged for most patients in the absence of specific contraindications, as it has been shown to be efficacious in increasing abstinence rates in smoking cessation. Although 4 types of nicotine replacement therapy (transdermal patch, polacrilex chewing gum, spray and inhaler) have been shown to be effective, the transdermal nicotine patch is associated with fewer patient compliance problems and/or adverse effects. Clinician-provided social support and skills-training/problem-solving techniques are also effective components of smoking cessation treatment. Smoking cessation interventions of this type that are as brief as 3 minutes are effective in producing both short and long term abstinence, although rates of quitting are higher with more frequent and intensive treatments.