Addressing the 5 A’s:
It seems like a bother to ask smokers every visit when they aren’t interested in quitting. Why should I do that?
Tobacco dependence is a chronic disease that requires repeated intervention. According to epidemiologic data, of the 45 million smokers in the US, 70 percent want to quit. Further, about 44 percent say they try to quit every year. However, few of those who attempt to quit without evidence-based assistance are successful. For most patients, repeated evidence-based interventions are needed. Adding counseling and medications to a quit attempt increases the chance for success by 4 to 7 times. return to top
I am frustrated because patients do not want to quit. What can I do?
If someone is unwilling to quit, the use of motivational treatments can increase effectiveness for future visits. Individualized motivational techniques including motivational interviewing appear to be effective in increasing a patient’s likelihood of making a future quit attempt. Evidence shows that physician advice to quit smoking increases abstinence rates. You can make a difference with every smoker. return to top
Jump to full article »