Nicotine Dependence ProgramDid you know:
The good news is that it can be done. Thousands of people have walked away from tobacco. The bad news is that many well intentioned people fail. 
Call our Nicotine Dependence counselors at (443) 481-5366. Nicotine is the most addictive drug known. Staying away means breaking habits and adopting new ones. It can mean lifestyle changes. Statistics show that smokers attempting to quit on their own succeed only five percent of the time. The best success is achieved through formal programs. Anne Arundel Medical Center Nicotine Dependence Program The Nicotine Dependence Program (NDP) has a variety of techniques to give you the extra support you need to stop using tobacco -- either smoking or chewing. Counselors specially trained in treating those with the addictive and behavioral problems associated with tobacco use direct the program. They are supported by physicians and staff at the Oncology Center who have additional resources available for treating nicotine addiction. The Nicotine Dependence Program has had an inpatient program in place for several years. Patients identified as nicotine users during a hospital stay receive a brief counseling intervention at bedside. A counselor determines the readiness to quit, addiction level, barriers to quitting, CO level, and offers to help the patient develop an individualized plan to quit. Self-help materials are available during the hospital stay, and after the patient returns home. Now, however, you don't have to be a patient to benefit from the expertise of the Nicotine Dependence Program.
PROGRAMSIndividual CounselingInitial visits are arranged by a referring physician or by a self-referral. You will complete a smoking history questionnaire and meet with a counselor one-on-one. As with inpatient counseling, once the counselor has your readiness to quit, addiction level, barriers to quitting, and CO level, he or she will help you develop an individualized plan to quit. Counselors consult with all referring physicians about the treatment plan. Quitting is difficult and no one but you can quit. However, counselors at the NDP will continue to support you to offer advice, encouragement and additional resources where necessary. Follow-up counseling phone calls are made at intervals throughout the year. Counselors will stay with you as long as you need them. Group Therapy"Becoming Smoke-Free" classes are held throughout the year. Sessions cover issues related to maintaining a smoke-free lifestyle. Some topics include quitting smoking without gaining weight; managing stress; and dealing with other smokers. Contact askAAMC at (443) 481-4000 for class dates and times. Support GroupsSometimes staying off nicotine is the hardest part. Support groups are held in afternoon and evening sessions with help from NDP staff. Free. Adolescent ProgramsIs your teenager smoking? Bring him or her in for a visit with one of our counselors. AAMC is working in cooperation with the Anne Arundel County Health Department to address the rise in adolescent smoking. Programs can be tailored to meet the special needs of teens. Corporate ProgramThe NDP can bring a program to your business or place of work. Individual counseling and group meetings can be held morning, lunchtime or evening. Counselors can work with human resource departments to individualize a program to fit the specific needs of the business. ResourcesThe Nicotine Dependence Program has a variety of nicotine dependence information available to the public free of charge. Written, audio and video tapes are available at different levels of comprehension to accommodate all ages and languages. Some materials are also available in Spanish. To contact the Nicotine Dependence Program, call (443) 481-5366. |
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