Table 10.
Components of an intensive tobacco-dependence intervention
| Assessment | Assessments should determine whether tobacco users are willing to make a quit attempt using an intensive treatment program. Other assessments can provide information useful in counseling (e.g., stress level, dependence) |
| Program clinicians | Multiple types of clinicians are effective and should be used. One counseling strategy would be to have a medical/healthcare clinician deliver a strong message to quit, information about health risks and benefits, recommend and prescribe medications recommended in this guideline update. Nonmedical clinicians could then deliver additional counseling interventions. |
| Program intensity | There is evidence of a strong dose–response relationship; therefore, when possible, the intensity of the program should be:
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| Program format | Either individual or group counseling may be used. Telephone counseling also is effective and can supplement treatments provided in the clinical setting. Use of self-help materials and cessation websites is optional. Follow-up interventions should be scheduled. |
| Type of counseling and behavioral therapies | Counseling should include practical counseling (problem-solving/skills-training) and intra-treatment social support (see Table 3). |
| Medication | Combining counseling and medication increases abstinence rates. See Tables 4–6. |
| Population | Intensive intervention programs may be used with all tobacco users willing to participate in such efforts. |