How to choose a smoking cessation program
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."
| Author: | Debby Golonka, MPH Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS | Last Updated: July 24, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine John Hughes, MD - Psychiatry | |
 | ||
| |