WHO recommends combining medications with behavioral therapy to quit smoking and all tobacco products

Combining drug therapy with behavioural interventions significantly increases smoking cessation success rates, says the World Health Organization (WHO), which has published the first clinical guidelines for treating smoking cessation from cigarettes, hookahs, smokeless tobacco, cigars, hand-rolled tobacco and heated tobacco products.

The guide recommends a comprehensive set of actions, ranging from digital interventions to treatment and therapeutic interventions. In particular, behavioural interventions such as brief counselling of at least 3 minutes, systematically offered in health care settings, as well as more intensive behavioural support based on individual counselling, group counselling or by telephone are recommended for interested users.

In terms of treatment, it recommends varenicline, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), bupropion and cytisine as effective smoking cessation treatments. In addition, in April 2024, Kenvue nicotine gum and patches became the first nicotine replacement therapy products to be prequalified by WHO.

Additionally, he recommends using digital interventions such as text messages, smartphone apps, and internet programs as supplements or self-management tools.

The guide aims to help more than 750 million tobacco users who want to quit all forms of smoking, as more than 60% of the 1.25 billion smokers want to quit but 70% do not have access to effective cessation services.

“This guidance marks a critical milestone in our global fight against these dangerous products. It provides countries with the tools they need to effectively help people quit smoking and reduce the global burden of tobacco-related diseases,” said Dr Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.

“The enormous struggle that people face when trying to quit smoking cannot be overstated. We must be deeply aware of the effort and suffering that people and their loved ones endure to overcome this addiction,” concludes Rüdiger Krech, Director of Health at WHO.

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