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Tobacco Treatment Program

Overview

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States. Cigarette smoking causes an estimated 480,000 deaths each year. This estimate includes 41,000 deaths from second-hand smoke exposure.

The Tobacco Treatment Program at Dover Hospital is a comprehensive service designed to help patients address their smoking and tobacco addiction, acknowledge the need for treatment, and work towards becoming nicotine and tobacco-free.

For further information, contact us at 973-625-6331

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Smoking cessation support

Why should I stop using tobacco?

Nicotine, the primary chemical derived from tobacco, is one of the most addictive substances known. In addition to nicotine, tobacco consists of over 7,000 other chemicals. Some of the toxic chemicals found in tobacco are known to cause cancer. Second-hand smoke is hazardous to non-smokers and especially children. Over 41,000 people die each year in this country from illnesses caused by second-hand smoke.

How can I stop using tobacco?

Smokers usually do not realize the extent of their addiction until presented with serious health problems. If you answer yes to any of the following questions, the Tobacco Treatment Program can help you.

Have you tried to quit before?
Have you smoked for a long time?
Do you become irritable, restless or anxious when you attempt to quit?
Has your workplace gone smoke free?
Has your doctor or medical professional suggested that you quit?
Are you fed up with being addicted to tobacco products?
Do you really want to quit?

Most tobacco users want to quit, but find it hard to break the addiction to nicotine. Our program recognizes the difficulty in stopping tobacco use, and provides a comprehensive treatment program. Consultation with our tobacco treatment specialists can guide you through the process.

How can the Tobacco Treatment Program help?

The Tobacco Treatment Program is led by experienced tobacco treatment specialists. Treatment is customized to the unique needs of each patient and offers a complete system of support throughout the process. The program includes:

Patient assessment
Nicotine dependence evaluation
Behavioral therapy/support group
Motivation and encouragement exercises
Ways to deal with cravings and temptations
Ways to deal with stress and withdrawal symptoms
Nicotine replacement recommendations

How does the Tobacco Treatment Program work?

The Tobacco Treatment Program offers an intensive approach with the aim of eliminating the use of cigarettes and other tobacco products entirely. Our program is three-fold, combining counseling, tobacco cessation, and behavior modification. The first stage encompasses an individual assessment, where certified tobacco treatment counselors discuss tobacco usage with patients. From there, the tobacco treatment specialists develop a plan of treatment, recommend nicotine replacement therapy (patch, gum or lozenge), and discuss the potential use of Wellbutrin (prescription drug therapy.

The second stage involves a series of six group sessions, held once per week for six weeks. Each session helps the patient take the steps needed to overcome their tobacco addiction and work towards eliminating it from their lives. The first week involves a group counseling session where groups of patients discuss the treatment plan, break the patterns of addiction, and plan for the coming week. During week two, patients review the previous week and, with the group, discuss trigger situations that motivate tobacco use. In weeks three through five, patients report on the previous week’s experiences, discuss any problems, and recommit to success in the program. In the sixth and final week, patients review their accomplishments, celebrate their success, talk about follow-up care, and discuss reduction in nicotine replacement therapy.

Once the six weeks of group therapy are completed, program specialists work with patients on an ongoing basis to ensure their success. Our tobacco treatment specialists will schedule follow-up phone calls with each client.