Choice important in quitting smoking

ROCHESTER, N.Y., May 25 Smokers who have a say in how they quit are more likely to try to kick the habit and are more successful, according to a U.S. study.

Study leader Dr. Geoffrey Williams, of the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, says a "quit plan" leads to smokers who are more motivated to quit because they genuinely want to, not because they are being nagged or bullied. Smokers in the program were encouraged to take part in developing a personalized quit plan by providing input and perspective on how smoking fit into their lives and which aspects of quitting were most daunting.

Williams' team of researchers found that smokers who were counseled in a manner that encouraged them to reflect on whether they wanted to smoke or not -- and if not, why they were trying to quit -- were more likely to maintain their abstinence for two years than those who received usual care.

Usual care involved a list of smoking cessation resources in the community and doctors' assistance.

Williams is scheduled to present the findings this weekend at the University of Toronto conference on self-determination theory.

Copyright 2007 by UPI

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