ABSTRACT
The preceding chapters set forth the treatment approaches for the hardcore smoker with particular attention to special populations, comorbidities, and areas of current debate (e.g., the role and effectiveness of nicotine replacement therapy). These recommendations for clinicians and indeed for smokers themselves must be accompanied by public policy decisions that will determine access to and shape health care reimbursement for smoking cessation programs, support treatment research to improve cessation effectiveness, and define the most effective secondary preventive interventions for former and current smokers. All of these public health decisions require special consideration for chronic hard-core smokers.
