ABSTRACT
This chapter describes a range of approaches and strategies that have shown promise for changing smoking behavior in various settings and across several populations. More than six million deaths worldwide can be attributed to cigarette smoking each year. In high-income countries like the United States, significant strides have been made to reduce the smoking prevalence among certain segments of the population, but there are some areas where gains have been minimal. Indeed, smoking harms nearly every organ of the body and can cause cardiovascular disease, stroke, periodontitis, aneurysms, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, erectile dysfunction, and low bone mineral density. Prior to describing several different behavioral approaches to enhancing smoking cessation, a clarification of the medications that often accompany treatment is needed. Cessation rates are higher among those who participate in a smoking cessation program when compared to those who try to quit without any assistance.
