Drug Education and Intervention in the Workplace

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 adopting reasons for quitting, understanding the smoking habit, various techniques for stopping and remaining a non-smoker, overcoming the concerns of quitting, short-term goal setting, weight control, 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 must have formal training in smoking cessation from a nationally recognized business 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 sometimes very dubious in tobacco 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.