Zeitschrift für ärztliche Fortbildung und Qualitätssicherung
-
Z Arztl Fortbild Qualitatssich · Jun 2002
[Tobacco dependence--evidence-based treatment strategies].
One third of German smokers try to stop smoking at least once a year. As smoking is an important risk factor for the development of numerous diseases and a number of smoking-cessation strategies have proved to be effective every smoker should be encouraged to give up smoking and be informed of these methods. A more widespread use of evidence-based smoking-cessation methods should therefore be promoted more vigorously. ⋯ More complex interventions should be supplemented by behaviour therapy aimed at changing behaviour patterns. Medical support in the form of nicotine replacement (NRT) or bupropion treatment should be offered. Moreover international guidelines (not only German ones but also American, and European ones in general) all recommend as the most effective strategy the combining of smoking-cessation methods based on behavioural treatment with nicotine replacement therapy or bupropion treatment.