Tobacco Cessation Counseling Interventions: An update on Current Approaches

Tobacco smoking is globally far more widespread than use of any other form of substance abuse. Its use remains the leading preventable cause of morbidity and mortality, each year causing more than 6 million deaths globally. The World Health Organization estimates there are 1.3 billion smokers worldwide and each year 5 million smokers die because of tobacco-related diseases. Data suggest that up to 70% of current smokers want to quit and 40% attempt to do so each year. Timely intervention in smoking cessation not only reduces the risk of major disease, but also modifies the clinical course and outcome of certain diseases. There are various pharmacological and non pharmacological measures available which need to be implemented properly and timely. Strategies for assisting smoking cessation include non-pharmacological therapies to enhance motivation and to support attempts to quit and pharmacological intervention to reduce nicotine reinforcement and withdrawal from nicotine. The pharmacological interventions include nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and antidepressants. Non-pharmacologic interventions includes behavioral interventions, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), individual or group consoling, telephone counseling and self –help counseling. The present review aims at analyzing the current knowledge of various smoking cessation strategies