However, for those who already smoke, quitting smoking is the single most effective thing that they can do to enhance the quality and length of their lives. Health professionals are in a unique position to assist smokers. Therefore, this statement focuses on smoking cessation as part of a comprehensive strategy, specifically on the role of health professionals in helping Canadians stop smoking. Most smokers are not happy with their habit, and the majority would like to quit. But the relapse rate is very high because of the addictive nature of tobacco, and of possible social pressures on the smoker.
Most smokers attempt to quit several times before they finally succeed.
Smoking cessation counselling is widely recognized as an effective clinical practice. Even a brief intervention by a health professional significantly increases the cessation rate. A smoker's likelihood of quitting increases when he or she hears the message from a number of health care providers from a variety of disciplines. Health professionals are perhaps Canadians' most credible source of health information. Health professionals can tailor their messages to individuals and work with them on a one to one basis.