Employee Wellness Plans : Smoking Cessation

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

Smoking cessation programs should be multi-component with a focus on skills to build beneficial voluntary behavior change practices. Useful techniques include starting reasons for stopping, understanding the smoking habit, various techniques for stopping and remaining a non-smoker, overcoming the problems of stopping, short-term intention setting, weight management, stress management, significance 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 smoking cessation from a nationally recognized organization 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 at times very dubious in smoking cessation programs. Measurement of success ought to include participation rate, including the number beginning 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.