Counseling patients to quit smoking

PREVIEW

Helping patients stop smoking is one of the most important—and frustrating—services primary care physicians can provide. Many physicians are reluctant to spend time talking about tobacco use with patients who show little or no interest in changing their habits. Fortunately, specific techniques have been identified that can make the task easier. This article from the distinguished Nicotine Dependence Center of the Mayo Clinic looks at the “best practices” for dealing with nicotine dependence.