Corporate Wellness Blog

It is recommended that smoking cessation programs subscribe to the Code Of Practice for Smoking Cessation Programs.

Smoking cessation programs ought to be multi-component with a focus on skills to build positive voluntary behavior change practices. Useful techniques include establishing reasons for stopping, understanding the smoking habit, various techniques for stopping and remaining a non-smoker, overcoming the issues of stopping, short-term objective setting, weight management, stress management, effect of exercise, relationship of alcohol consumption to urges to use tobacco. Use no aversive or scare tactics.

In programs that use aids such as the “patch” or medications such as “Zyban” appropriate consultation must be available on the usage of these aids.

The instructor should have formal training in tobacco cessation from a nationally recognized company such as American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, American Lung Association, or a nationally recognized commercial program such as Smoke Enders.

Evaluation of success is occasionally very dubious in tobacco cessation programs. Measurement of success should include participation rate, including the number implementing the program, the number completing the program, and the average number per session. Also included, number and percent who stopped smoking at the end of the program, and the number and percent who had not resumed smoking by the end of one year.