Tobacco Intervention Program
“Stopping smoking is the easiest thing in the world. I ought to know, I’ve done it a thousand times.” Mark Twain
Lutheran Hospital employees and volunteers and their spouses receive an 80 percent discount when registering for the program. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, call (260) 435-7094, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
You might laugh at this quote, but Mark Twain found that staying tobacco free was even more difficult than stopping tobacco use. Nicotine is one of the most addictive drugs, and ending dependence on it isn’t easy.
Most smokers try to stop on their own, and while some succeed, 95 out of 100 who try do not achieve their goal. Research has shown that those who are most successful at giving up tobacco are those who participate in tobacco-cessation programs. Giving up tobacco is a process that involves making lifestyle changes while dealing with the effects of withdrawal. Most people need support to do this.
The Tobacco Intervention Program at Lutheran Hospital, under the leadership of program director Tom Hayhurst, MD, offers one-on-one counseling with a respiratory therapist specially trained to treat nicotine addiction who also develops an individualized cessation plan for each participant. TIP’s utilization of proven, evidence-based approaches results in long-term success for those determined to give up tobacco for good.
The program consists of six to eight sessions over a 12-week period. The first visit includes the following:
- Pulmonary function screen
- Vital signs and carbon monoxide assessment
- Pre-existing medical conditions review
- Detailed smoking history, including attempts to quit, and smoking habits evaluation
- Nicotine and psychological dependence assessment
- Depression and alcohol-use assessment
Additional visits include:
- Personal health education
- Creation of a personal stop plan
- Identification of triggers and coping strategies
- Assistance with behavioral changes that will result in a healthy lifestyle
- Assessment of cravings and withdrawal symptoms
- Identification of chosen quit date
- Identification and implementation of relaxation and stress management techniques, including guided imagery and meditation
- Instruction on the proper use of cessation medications
- Social and relapse prevention support
- Follow-up for one year after quit date.
For additional information or to schedule an appointment, call (260) 435-7094, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. |
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