Practical Counseling Advice
(Problem Solving/Skills Training)
Recognize danger situations.
Identify events, internal states, or activities that increase the risk of smoking or relapse.
Examples:
- Negative affect.
- Being around other smokers.
- Drinking alcohol.
- Experiencing urges.
- Being under time pressure.
Develop coping skills.
Identify and practice coping or problem-solving skills. Typically, these skills are intended to cope with situations that may pose a risk of relapse.
Examples:
- Learning to anticipate and avoid temptation.
- Learning cognitive strategies that will reduce negative moods.
- Accomplishing lifestyle changes that reduce stress, improve quality of life, or produce pleasure.
- Learning cognitive and behavioral activities to cope with smoking urges (e.g. distracting attention).
Provide basic information.
Provide basic information about smoking and successful quitting.
Examples:
- Any smoking (even a single puff) increases the likelihood of full relapse.
- Withdrawal typically peaks within 1-3 weeks after quitting.
- Withdrawal symptoms include negative mood, urges to smoke, and difficulty concentrating.
- Smoking is addictive.
*Information on this page is drawn directly from the U.S DHHS Public Health Guideline for Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence, June 2000.
