UR Medicine’s Community Health and Prevention Center is launching a weekly support group for people addicted to nicotine and tobacco products.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, about 70% of adult smokers in the United States say they want to quit every year, but only half make an attempt.
The Commit to Quit Smoking program is designed to help participants reduce or eliminate nicotine consumption by providing an encouraging and supportive environment for participants. Sessions are facilitated by trained lifestyle counselors and cessation experts and are based on four pillars: awareness, support, planning and goals.
Dr. Holly Russell, medical director of the Center for Community Health and Prevention, said the strength of the program lies in its interactive component.
“One of the hardest things when trying to make a behavior change like this is if you feel like you are the only one and you feel like you are struggling.” Russell said. “Knowing that you are not alone in this struggle has immense value and power. “
URMC already provides individual nicotine addiction counseling to its patients, but this support group format is the first of its kind by the institution. Russell said the new structure was aimed at increasing access to reach more people.
“Literally anyone with an Internet connection can register and participate in these sessions,” Russell said.
Group sessions take place every week from Thursday noon. Participants can register for the six sessions or as many as they want.
For more information and to register, click here.
