Tobacco Timeout: Outsmarting Nicotine

In this conversation, we discuss the strategies and interventions for helping adolescents quit smoking and vaping. The non-pharmaceutical interventions, such as developing a quit plan, dealing with cravings and triggers, and developing healthy coping strategies, are found to be effective. The expert also emphasizes the importance of support throughout the quitting process and self-care. The use of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is considered on a case-by-case basis for adolescents with moderate to high nicotine dependence. The conversation also highlights the role of parents in educating and supporting their children to avoid smoking and vaping. Government policies, such as monitoring tobacco use, protecting non-users from secondhand smoke, and banning tobacco advertising, are crucial in reducing the prevalence of smoking and vaping among adolescents.

If you are a smoker/vaper or a clinician advising such patient, you may refer to these helpful resources:

https://everytrycounts.betobaccofree.hhs.gov
https://downloads.aap.org/AAP/PDF/AAP_Youth_Tobacco_Cessation_Considerations_for_Clinicians.pdf
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/toolkit-for-delivering-5as-and-5rs-brief-tobacco-interventions-in-primary-care 
https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-no-tobacco-day/2021/quitting-toolkit/text-message-support/facebook-and-whatsapp-support
https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-no-tobacco-day/2021/quitting-toolkit/toll-free-quitlines

Take control! #TeenTalks #NoMoreButts #TakeControl #TeenControl