Quitting Smoking - Offers, Methods

2023 Author: Wallace Forman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-27 18:19

Quitting Smoking: Offers & Methods

The goal of smoking cessation is to change your behavior and become a non-smoker. Depending on how great the tobacco addiction is and how strong the motivation to quit is, there are various offers of smoking advice, methods and therapies available. Advice and programs are also offered over the phone and online.

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• Continue reading
• more on the subject
• Advice, downloads & tools
• How is smoking cessation done?
• "End point method"
• Behavior therapy
• Medical therapy
• Further procedures
• Whom can I ask?
• How are costs covered?

How is smoking cessation done?

At the beginning of the smoking cessation process, smoking behavior is analyzed in an initial conversation and asked how willing the patient is to quit smoking. Then the further procedure is discussed, how long-term weaning can be achieved.

Nicotine replacement therapy and special medication for smoking cessation can alleviate unpleasant withdrawal symptoms and help persist in quitting smoking.

In a brief consultation, you can get information about other options for smoking cessation.

In weaning programs for individuals or groups, there is intensive support with personal support in a smoke-free life. Treatment of a sick nicotine addiction may be necessary as an inpatient in a specialized facility.

The combination of drug and non-drug therapies (e.g. behavioral measures, psychotherapy; see below) can be particularly effective. Regular exercise or physical training can also be part of the withdrawal treatment. If you are trying to quit smoking, it is important to include family members, partners, etc.

End point method

The "end point method" means that you set a date within the next few weeks when you will quit smoking. It is important to prepare well to quit smoking. A first step is to find out more about smoking cessation, for example with brochures or on the Internet. Plan a specific day to quit - the earlier, the better. The first few days are the most difficult because of the withdrawal symptoms. If you become aware of your smoking behavior before you quit, you increase your chances of success. To do this, keep a smoking cessation protocol.

Behavior therapy

In behavioral therapy, among other things, the smoker works together with the therapist to develop the situations or stimuli that trigger a desire for a cigarette. Furthermore, it is learned how risk situations can be managed and relapses avoided. Individual and group therapy are considered effective methods for smoking cessation.

Medical therapy

Medicines or nicotine replacement preparations help to deal better with any withdrawal symptoms that may occur. But they cannot replace an active change in smoking behavior.

Nicotine replacement therapy

In nicotine replacement therapy, nicotine preparations (e.g. chewing gum, plaster, inhaler or tablet) are used to build up a nicotine level and the dose is gradually reduced over the course of the therapy. This can alleviate or prevent the withdrawal symptoms. The preparations are available in pharmacies without a prescription.

Smoking cessation drugs

In order to support quitting and prevent relapses, the doctor can also prescribe special prescription drugs that influence addictive behavior, e.g. antidepressants or drugs approved for smoking cessation.

In Austria, two active ingredients are approved for the treatment of tobacco addiction: bupropion and varenicline.

Further procedures

In addition to the above-mentioned therapies, other methods are also offered as part of smoking cessation, for example acupuncture, acupressure or laser therapy, but also hypnosis or hypnotherapy.

Whom can I ask?

Anyone who has decided to quit smoking can find support and advice at the following offices:

• Smoker advice facilities (e.g. social security, smoke-free telephone)
• at the family doctor with the additional qualification to quit smoking or
• for health psychologists with an additional qualification in smoking cessation

How are costs covered?

The social security agencies offer advice to smokers or outpatient smoking cessation free of charge. A deductible may have to be paid. As a rule, the costs for drug therapy are not covered. In the case of severe dependency, in-patient smoking cessation can be granted under certain conditions.

Further information on providers and on cost coverage can be found under Contact points for smoking cessation, such as the smoke-free telephone.