Learning Objectives: Understand the NicoBloc Gradual Reduction Method to stop smoking and how it can facilitate a smoker to shift from pre-contemplation to contemplate quitting.
Abstract:
Problem/Objective:
Many smokers fail in their quit attempt because they miss the physical act of smoking. The addiction to the behavior can be as strong as that to nicotine, therefore successful quitting requires both aspects of the habit to be addressed.
Methods:
Rosen Ltd developed a Gradual Reduction Method through workplace stop smoking programmes over a ten-year period. The programme is a four–six week programme to wean smokers off nicotine and off their smoking habit. An occlusive filter NicoBloc is used to trap the nicotine and tar in the filter of the cigarette and consequently to progressively reduce nicotine intake into the body. In parallel participants reduced consumption of actual cigarettes smoked each week until they were down to minimal number of cigarettes per day and in a position to quit. Specific attainable targets were set and consumption recorded on tracking cards with progress confirmed using carbon monoxide monitors on a weekly basis. Health education was also an integral element of the programme with printed and video material and one to one and group discussions was used.
Results:
58% of participants who completed the six-week programme successfully stopped smoking.
Conclusions:
A gradual reduction method addressing both elements of the smoking habit is highly effective in achieving smoking cessation. The gradual nature of the programme promoted high participation with 85% of attendees at the initial presentation signing up for the programme.
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