The UMDNJ-School of Public Health (SPH) Tobacco Dependence Clinic provides individualized treatment plans for people who want to break their addiction. The plans are developed by tobacco dependence specialists with backgrounds in internal medicine, psychiatry and social work.

"Research indicates that smokers are four times more likely to succeed in their quest to stop smoking when they receive specialized help for their tabacco addictions," said Jonathan Foulds, PhD, director of the Tobacco Dependence Program. "This support is especially useful during the first four weeks when nicotine withdrawal symptoms are the strongest."

Participants are evaluated to determine their nicotine dependence level, and they meet with specialists to decide on the most appropriate course of treatment. "A combination of medication and psychological support typically results in the highest rate of success," says Foulds, who is also associate professor of health education and behavioral sciences at SPH. Medications include nicotine gum, patch or nasal spray and inhaler, or other prescribed medications. Counseling is either individual or group-based, depending on what suits the patient.

Participants who reach the goal of being smoke-free for one month receive information on preventing relapse. They are also given feedback on how quitting smoking has improved their health, including results from a breathalyzer test that measures carbon monoxide levels. Patients will be followed up six months after their quit date to monitor their progress.

The Tobacco Dependence Program is funded by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the clinic at 732-846-8660. The clinic's Web site address is www.tobaccoclinic.org.