NCJ Number
215376
Journal
Substance Use & Misuse Volume: 41 Issue: 9 Dated: 2006 Pages: 1251-1261
Date Published
2006
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article reviews the research on adolescent smoking cessation and offers practical guidelines for primary care physicians.
Abstract
In order to provide smoking cessation interventions for adolescents, primary care physicians are advised to screen for tobacco and other substance use among teenage patients. Other recommendations include the advice to tailor interventions to the adolescent's stage of development and their motivation to quit. Cognitive-behavior approaches that focus on alternative behavioral skills and peer group affiliations are recommended, as is motivational interviewing, which promotes autonomy and self-efficacy. Tobacco use is a major public health problem. Many tobacco users begin smoking cigarettes during their youth. Research has shown that tobacco addiction develops at an early stage of tobacco use, even in adolescents who are not heavy smokers. The authors review the negative health effects of tobacco use and offer statistics on tobacco use among adolescents. Research on smoking cessation interventions targeting adolescents is presented and the different types of effective interventions are described, including cognitive-behavioral approaches and pharmacotherapy. Additionally, research is presented that suggests polydrug use, particularly cannabis use, should be addressed in any smoking cessation intervention. References