How to choose a smoking cessation program

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How to choose a smoking cessation program

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Better smoking cessation programs:

Have at least 4 to 7 sessions that include self-help materials and individual or group counseling.
Have sessions that last at least 20 to 30 minutes.
Last at least 2 weeks past your quit date. Some programs spend several weeks preparing for the quit date. The program is often most useful after you have quit.
Are affordable. Many programs are free or low-cost; others cost more. Some health insurance companies or employee assistance programs (EAPs) cover the cost of smoking cessation programs.

Most state health departments can recommend a program in your area.

Change your quit date to match the program date. In many communities, programs are only offered 2 to 3 times a year. Keep this in mind as you plan your timeline for quitting.

Avoid any program that promises to make quitting easy or that sounds like it has the only answer or a "secret" method that works better than any other method. There are no "magic bullets."

Credits

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Author	Debby Golonka, MPH
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Michele Cronen
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	John Hughes, MD - Psychiatry
Last Updated	July 24, 2007

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Last updated:	July 24, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, John Hughes, MD - Psychiatry
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Michele Cronen

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