Tobacco-Alcohol Intervention

Tobacco-Alcohol Intervention happens at different times for different people. It is known that the sooner the problem is addressed the greater likelihood of success.

Tobacco users who are older usually know that smoking can damage their lungs. Users that are in their teens, however, may have heard that warning but perhaps do not understand the significance. It is important to express concern and then to assess the user's readiness to quit. If the user is open to quitting , advise them to do the following:

• Set a quit date, ideally within 2 weeks .

• Get support from family, friends, and co-workers .

• Review past quit attempts – what helped, what led to relapse .

• Anticipate challenges, particularly during the critical first few weeks, including nicotine withdrawal.

• Identify reasons for quitting and benefits of quitting.

• Call the toll-free National Quitline at 1-800-QUIT NOW.

(Resource: Helping Smokers Quit: A Guide for Nurses)

Alcohol addiction can be obvious for some, but subtle for others. Many times families, friends , and/or coworkers make attempts to help, only to feel discouraged when their attempts are unsuccessful. Although a small percentage of people are able to recover from alcohol addiction without intervention, the majority of individuals addicted to alcohol will need assistance.

According to Harvard Health Publications , intervention can begin by asking the following questions:

• Have you ever felt that you should cut down?

• Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?

• Have you ever felt guilty about your drinking?

• Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover?

A person who answer “yes” to even one of these questions may have a problem that needs closer examination.