Tobacco dependence is a chronic condition that often requires repeated intervention.
However, effective treatments exist that can produce long-term or even permanent abstinence. Patients willing to try to quit tobacco use should be provided treatments identified as effective in this Guideline. Patients unwilling to try to quit tobacco use should be provided a brief intervention designed to increase their motivation to quit. Brief tobacco dependence treatment is effective, and every patient who uses tobacco should be offered at least brief treatment. There is a strong dose-response relation between the intensity of tobacco dependence counseling and its effectiveness.