In this scenario, there is little likelihood that any actions will be taken, particularly when the problematic behavior is reinforced by a psychoactive drug. Fifty years ago this type of treatment resistance was probably stronger than today. It therefore seems that information about the negative effects of smoking is needed, first and foremost, as a prerequisite for further actions to be effective. Such a smoker might want to change to safer tobacco products or to pure nicotine products if the correct information about these alternatives were available.
Many smokers are resistant to treatment even though they are very well informed.
Some smokers have tried to give up several times but failed because the abstinence symptoms were too strong. For such smokers, new alternatives to abrupt quitting are very much needed. It may be that after some time they stop listening to quitting advice because of the discomfort quitting can cause. If they believe quitting is not possible, they also may not seek help. One option is for a more intensive quitting treatment.