Patients identified as nicotine users during a hospital stay receive a brief counseling intervention at bedside. A counselor determines the readiness to quit, addiction level, barriers to quitting, CO level, and offers to help the patient develop an individualized plan to quit. Self-help materials are available during the hospital stay, and after the patient returns home. Now, however, you don't have to be a patient to benefit from the expertise of the Nicotine Dependence Program. As with inpatient counseling, once the counselor has your readiness to quit, addiction level, barriers to quitting, and CO level, he or she will help you develop an individualized plan to quit.
Counselors consult with all referring physicians about the treatment plan.
However, counselors at the NDP will continue to support you to offer advice, encouragement and additional resources where necessary. Follow-up counseling phone calls are made at intervals throughout the year. Counselors will stay with you as long as you need them. Sessions cover issues related to maintaining a smoke-free lifestyle. Sometimes staying off nicotine is the hardest part.