Smoking Cessation Program

Learn How to Quit, Even if You Don't Want To Quit!

The Smoking Cessation Program is led by Carol Southard, RN, MSN, tobacco treatment specialist, with more than 30 years of experience helping people quit tobacco products. She has led more than 400 groups, with a 50 percent or better success rate one year following treatment.

Studies show that people who quit with the support of a program have a much better chance of success of taking control over this most difficult of all addictions.

This program consists of eight one-hour sessions and includes a comprehensive support group with individualized interventions. Rather than focus on the dangers of smoking, the curriculum outlines a strategy on how to quit smoking and offers techniques and materials to establish a systematic cessation plan for each participant. For more information, call Carol at 312-613-6286.

How Does The Program Work

The Tobacco Cessation Program provides groundwork for the quit date and thereafter emphasizes the maintenance of non-smoking behavior, which is the most important part of any cessation effort. A multitude of educational materials is distributed at each session. Throughout the program, participants are given assignments to increase awareness of their tobacco habit, assess their own motivation to quit, learn cessation techniques and accomplish behavioral changes that lead to quitting and preventing relapses. Participants assist each other throughout the program with group discussion, support and problem solving. The program facilitator provides referrals to health care providers for general health care or specialists for specific needs as appropriate.   Follow-up phone calls are made to all clients at regular intervals by the program facilitator. Relapse prevention is provided to all clients as needed via the support group network.

Smoking Cessation Medications

Information about nicotine replacement therapy, bupropion (Zyban) and Varenicline (Chantix) is presented as part of the program. 

What is Covered During the Sessions

• A step-by-step plan on how to quit
• Self-control techniques
• Relaxation methods
• Nutrition and exercise guidelines
• Stress management strategies
• Group support
• Follow-up phone calls at 3 and 12-month intervals
• Prescriptions and referrals as appropriate

Cost

The cost of the 8-week Smoking Cessation Program is $150. Financial assistance is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Additional Questions

If you have additional questions about the program, please contact the instructor, Carol Southard, at 312-613-6286.