Join a smoking cessation program

With an abundance of smoking cessation products and programs available today, how do you know which one will work best for you? Joining a smoking cessation program can be one of the most important decisions a smoker can make. This article will provide an overview of the smoking cessation programs available, including inpatient smoking cessation programs. Before investing time and money in a smoking cessation program, a smoker should understand a few things about their smoking behavior first. Studies have shown that quitting smokers are far more successful when they understand why they smoke, why they desire to quit and if any, behaviors they have are connected to smoking.

What does a smoking cessation program offer?

Although many smoking cessation programs offer smokers similar options, they vary widely in their approach. Likewise, smoking cessation programs vary in cost, which ranges from free, offered by many nonprofit groups, including the ALS to expensive private institutions. Most programs offer support, understanding and education as the backbone of their services. They seek to educate the smoker about the withdrawal process and help them under stand the process their body is going through. Since the smoker is educated, they understand why they feel the way they do and that it is only a temporary process. These smoking cessation programs also offer behavior modification. They seek to replace the old habits and thinking with positive behaviors. This may include mantras and redirection. Outlined below are some of the more popular and effective smoking cessation programs.

Hazelden residential recovery program

This smoking cessation program is a week long inpatient program offered at the Dan Anderson Renewal Center outside Minneapolis, Minnesota. The program approaches nicotine dependency with a whole person philosophy. Instead of focusing on the quitting aspect of smoking cessation the Hazelden program focuses on the recovery process and moving past smoking using a mind- body and spirit approach,. The program uses a 12 step, abstinence based model, Individual and group counseling along with motivational speakers. Quitting smokers u se a variety of yoga, acupuncture, massage and various other relaxation techniques, along with guidance on diet and nutrition to overcome their addiction to tobacco products. Diagnosis, treatment plans, progress reports and discharge summary plans are provided to patients. The cost for smoking cessation programs offered by Hazelden range from $2,782 to $3,300 for a week long session.

5 A Method

This method has proven highly effective in helping pregnant women quit smoking. The 5 A method has been shown to double and sometimes triple the smoking cessation rates of pregnant women. The program is usually conducted during doctor visits and is usually covered by insurance. It is also provided free of charge for low income pregnant women. The process, which take roughly 10 to 15 minutes focus on 5 main topics.

Ask

The practitioner asks about the smoking states of the patient. The patient selects one of five answers to describe their situation.

Advise

The practitioner advises the pat ient to quit, by means of clear, personalized and strong advice and a describe the impact smoking has on the developing baby.

Assess

Assess the willingness of the patient to quit smoking within the next few weeks to a month

Assist

The provider will establish a support network to assist the woman during her cessation program. The provider will also provide related smoking cessation information.

Arrange

The practitioner will arrange regular check ins and continue to encourage the woman to quit if she is still smoking.

Counseling

Counseling has long been a part of successful smoking cessation programs. It is an ambiguous term that can be used to describe nearly all interactions a smoker may have with any health care profession. This may be appointments with therapists who help the smoker implement different behavior modification techniques or doctors that provide health related medical advice. Counseling is often used in conjunction with a nicotine replacement therapy. It is most effective in the cessation of smoking by pregnant women and for those with heart disease. The cost is usually covered by insurance, and can range from $25 to several hundred dollars in the absence of insurance.

Online Smoking Cessation Groups

There are several online groups that offer smokers an online alternative for a smoking cessation program. These forums provide smokers with an abundance of information regarding smoking, including the health effects of smoking and statistics related to smoking. Their main draw is the anonymity that they offer. Smokers create profiles and are able to support each other in their smoking cessation process. They remain anonymous and can interact as much or as little as they want. These groups are located in abundance on the internet and can vary dramatically in cost; some are available for free, while some charge high fees.

While inpatient smoking cessation programs are rare, they do offer a viable smoke free alternative during the most difficu lt time in a smoker's attempt to quit. Smoking cessation programs, when used appropriately, can greatly increase an individual's chance of quitting and remaining smoke free.

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