Supportive Counseling Advice
Encourage the patient in the quit attempt.
- Communicate belief in the patient's ability to quit.
- Note that effective tobacco dependence treatments are now available.
- Note that half of all people who have ever smoked have now quit.
Communicate caring and concern.
- Ask how the patient feels about quitting.
- Directly express concern and willingness to help.
- Be open to the patient's expression of fears of quitting, difficulties experienced, and ambivalent feelings.
Encourage the patient to talk about the quitting process.
Ask about:
- Reasons the patient wants to quit.
- Concerns or worries about quitting.
- Success the patient has achieved.
- Difficulties encountered while quitting.
*Information on this page is drawn directly from the U.S DHHS Public Health Guideline for Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence, June 2000.
