Thousands of people have walked away from tobacco. The bad news is that many well intentioned people fail. Nicotine is the most addictive drug known. Staying away means breaking habits and adopting new ones. It can mean lifestyle changes.
Statistics show that smokers attempting to quit on their own succeed only five percent of the time.
The best success is achieved through formal programs. Counselors specially trained in treating those with the addictive and behavioral problems associated with tobacco use direct the program. They are supported by physicians and staff at the Oncology Center who have additional resources available for treating nicotine addiction. The Nicotine Dependence Program has had an inpatient program in place for several years. Patients identified as nicotine users during a hospital stay receive a brief counseling intervention at bedside.