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."
Credits
| Author | Debby Golonka, MPH |
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Michele Cronen |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | John Hughes, MD - Psychiatry |
| Last Updated | July 24, 2007 |
Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
John Hughes, MD - Psychiatry
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