The key ingredients of behavioural support in tobacco cessation

In order for us to save lives by helping smokers go smoke-free, it would be beneficial for us to look at the ways we can improve support for patients when they conquer one of the most difficult addictions of all.

Pharmacists are the experts when it comes to providing advice on effective treatments like nicotine replacement therapies, varenicline and buproprion, but what are the key ingredients of successful behavioural support?

I have had several people say to me: "What do you actually do? Why don't you just tell a person to put down the cigarette, apply a patch or swallow a pill and don't smoke."

For us to respond to these questions, I strongly recommend that we review the advice given by the NHS Centre for Smoking Cessation and Training (www.NCSCT.co.uk ) and download a copy of the standard treatment programme that's available on the resource page.

It is important that we mention the key benefits of the support we offer, for example, it is evidence based and increases a person's chances of quitting four-fold. Also, we are here for support and not to tell a smoker what to do - we understand that this process of stopping will not be easy for them.