Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence

The prevention of tobacco-related morbidity and mortality through smoking cessation intervention is among the most vital missions of the chest clinician. This article summarizes the major findings and clinical recommendations of the US Department of Health and Human Services/Public Health Service Guideline, Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence , which is a comprehensive, evidence-based blueprint for smoking cessation. By becoming fluent in the clinical interventions and by implementing the simple institutional changes described in this article and in the guideline, chest clinicians can more effectively intervene with their patients who smoke.