A survey of characteristics of smokeless tobacco users in a treatment program.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the characteristics and outcomes of smokeless tobacco (ST) users receiving interventions in an outpatient tobacco-dependence treatment program.


METHODS
Survey was mailed with telephone follow-up to ST users treated during a 2-year period.


RESULTS
Nicotine replacement therapy and family and social support were the most helpful intervention components in maintaining tobacco abstinence. Continuing ST users face significant barriers to abstinence such as high levels of nicotine dependence, lack of motivation, nicotine withdrawal symptoms, and stress.


CONCLUSIONS
Enhancing confidence in their ability to quit, managing stress, prescribing bupropion SR, offering nicotine replacement therapy to relieve withdrawal symptoms, and providing ongoing support may be important for ST users in tobacco- dependence treatment programs.
Ebbert
Jon O
JO
Mayo Clinic of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. ebbert.jon@mayo.edu
Klinkhammer
Martin D
MD
Stevens
Susanna R
SR
Rowland
Leah C
LC
Offord
Kenneth P
KP
Ames
Steven C
SC
Dale
Lowell C
LC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005196:Family Therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013689:Telephone; D020340:Tobacco Use Cessation / Q000379:methods*; D014029:Tobacco Use Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D014030:Tobacco, Smokeless