Smoking Cessation Patient Info

Questions About My Diagnosis

• How do you know that I am addicted to smoking and it’s not just a habit?
• How long will it take after I quit smoking for the harmful effects that were diagnosed to revert to normal?
• What symptoms of nicotine withdrawal can I expect?

Questions About My Treatment

• How do I quit smoking?
• What medication can I take to help me quit smoking? Are the over-the-counter medications as effective as prescribed drugs? Will I need to take the medication to stop smoking forever?
• How long will it take before my cravings for cigarettes stop? How long will it take to quit?
• How do I avoid the weight gain? Depression or irritability?
• What side effects and/or risks do the medications have?
• Are these medications compatible with the drugs that I am currently on?
• Is there a program nearby?
• What happens if I smoke while under treatment for smoking cessation?
• Does the patch work? Do those artificial cigarettes work?
• Do alternative treatments like acupuncture, hypnotism and herbal therapy work?

Questions About My Lifestyle & Family

• Can I substitute chewing tobacco for smoking? Are cigars and pipes as harmful as cigarettes?
• What are the risks to my family from second-hand smoke?
• Are there foods that I should avoid? Is there a special diet?
• Should my family participate in the program with me?
• Is my family more likely to smoke because I did? How do I discourage my family from smoking?
• I smoke only occasionally or socially. Are the risks I face as bad?
• If I quit “cold-turkey,” will it affect my daily activity or work?
• Do I need to be in a counseling program?

Written by Barbara Hales, M.D.