Effective methods and aids to stop smoking Frequently, several attempts are needed before a person successfully stops smoking. Individual motivation is the most important tool for successful smoking cessation. Some people can stop smoking without any help, but for most people professional help in the form of support and guidance is essential to break the smoking habit, possibly supplemented with nicotine-substitution products. A variety of methods can be used to support and motivate people to stop smoking. The methods depend on various factors such as when the method is used and how motivated the person is to stop smoking. The methods used in the Nordic countries include: The ABC method, Motivational Interviewing (MI), the 5A’s and the 5R’s. The WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic, 2017: Monitoring tobacco use and prevention policies (MPOWER) focuses on six indicators that are essential in the battle against tobacco. One of the indicators is smoking cessation. In regard to this, WHO recommends that a minimum of three types of smoking cessation interventions should form part of an extensive tobacco control programme:
18
1. 2. 3.
Advice on smoking cessation in the pri mary healthcare sector National stop smoking helpline – free telephone advice on smoking cessation Pharmacological aids – as a minimum, nicotine replacement products.
In general, the Nordic countries meet these three minimum recommendations. The difference lies in how the interventions are financed and supported; whether the costs are covered or whether the people must pay a limited amount. The report includes all countries that have ratified the WHO FCTC; it is thus possible to gain an insight into which countries fully comply with best practice in the different areas. In order to fully comply with best practice in smoking cessation, there must be provision of a free national stop smoking helpline, provision of free advice in connection with smoking cessation across sectors and provision of subsidies for nicotine replacement products. According to MPOWER, 26 countries in the world fully comply with the recommendations for best practice in smoking cessation.