Behavior Modification (smoking Cessation)

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The health consequences of smoking have become evident since early 1960s and numerous techniques to help smokers to become nonsmokers have started to develop. "The Behavioral Aspects of Smoking", a report of the Surgeon General first published in 1979 talks in detail about methods aided to assist smokers in the process of cessation. Sometimes it is very hard to decide which intervention strategy is the best and most useful because they vary from gimmicks to formal programs and clinics.

The report is focused on the effort to define what strategy, method or program is the most effective in producing long-term and positive changes in smoking behavior. The first part of the report deals with the problem the reviewer has to face of sorting through outcome research that is permeated by many methodological deficiencies. The most pervasive problem in the evaluation of the outcome data from smoking cessation programs is the validity of the treatment results.

Almost all clinics and research studies rely primary upon verified self-reports of smoking as the critical dependent measure. Nevertheless, the request for a number of cigarettes smoked per day depends on the accuracy and honesty of the respondent . The use of self-monitoring recording has been recommended in various forms and is commonly used in many studies to provide some reliability and psychometric qualities of the rate data . The primary evaluation of treatment-results based on abstinence data can be recommended for several reasons: (1) temperance is the primary goal of all smokers who seek treatment; (2) follow-up data reveals that most smokers who failed to attain assistance returned to initial smoking rates; (3) analysis of rate data yield significant treat...

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... An adequate technology to validate self-reports of smoking rates is critically needed. If reliable physiological measures of smoking rate were available, the effects of different procedures in producing abstinence and enduring reductions in smoke exposure could be objectively verified. Most successful ex-smokers quitted on their own and information is needed regarding what types of treatment they view as credible and attractive.

Finally, the basic research is needed to clarify the topography of smoking and relapse behavior so that specific needs of smokers can be fulfilled. Different types of smokers may require different levels of maintenance assistance. All public service clinics and proprietary programs should be continually evaluated. They have the responsibility to the smoking public to present objective evaluations of the long-term effectiveness.

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