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Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence: Slide Presentation (Full Set)

For the Patient Who Has Recently Quit (Continued)

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Addressing problems encountered by former smokers

A patient who previously smoked might identify a problem that negatively affects health or quality of life. Specific problems likely to be reported by former smokers and potential responses follow:

Problems Responses
Lack of support for cessation
  • Schedule follow-up visits or telephone calls with the patient.
  • Urge the patient to call the national quitline network (1-800-QUIT-NOW) or other local quitline.
  • Help the patient identify sources of support within his or her environment.
  • Refer the patient to an appropriate organization that offers counseling or support.
Negative mood or depression
  • If significant, provide counseling, prescribe appropriate medication, or refer the patient to a specialist.
Strong or prolonged withdrawal symptoms
  • If the patient reports prolonged craving or other withdrawal symptoms, consider extending the use of an approved medication or adding/combining medications to reduce strong withdrawal symptoms.

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