UR Medicine’s Center for Community Health and Prevention is launching a weekly support group for people who are addicted to nicotine and tobacco products.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, about 70% of adult smokers in the U.S. report the desire to quit each year -- but only half make the attempt.
The Commit to Quit cessation program is designed to help participants decrease or eliminate nicotine use by providing an encouraging and understanding environment for attendees. Sessions are facilitated by trained lifestyle counselors and cessation experts, and are based on four pillars: awareness, support, planning and goals.
Dr. Holly Russell, the Center for Community Health and Prevention’s medical director, said the program’s strength is in its interactive component.
“One of the things that's the hardest when you're trying to make a behavior change like this is if you feel like you're the only one and you feel like you're struggling,” Russell said. “Knowing that you're not alone on that struggle, has immense value and power.”
URMC already provides one-on-one nicotine addiction counseling for its patients, but this support group format is the first of its kind by the institution. Russell said the new structure was about increasing access to reach more people.
“Literally, anybody who has an internet connection can register and join these sessions,” Russell said.
The group sessions occur weekly beginning at noon Thursday. Participants can register for all six sessions or however many they choose.
For more information and to register, click here.
