Center for Health Behavior Research

Home General Information Faculty/Staff Directions/Parking/Hotels Facilities Publications Grants Research Experience Health Resources Contact Us

StartSMART™

There are many approaches that can be used to assist patients in stopping smoking. Some methods are more successful than others, some are better suited to particular individuals, and some work best in conjunction with other interventions. Start SMART™ utilizes a combination of several methods that include but are not limited to:

• Education
• Behavior modification
• Self-help materials
• Counseling and support
• Relaxation techniques
• Relapse prevention techniques
• Pharmacologic adjuncts
• Long-term follow-up

Start SMART™ is a unique nicotine dependence treatment program that incorporates education regarding pharmacological adjuncts into the program. Education begins at the initial interview, at which time available pharmacological adjuncts are discussed, literature about each is reviewed and a recommendation is made. Then, prior to writing prescriptions, patients are instructed regarding correct use of the product they select, possible side effects they may experience, proper disposal of the product and precautions against early termination of treatment.

Individualized Assessment
An experienced nicotine dependence counselor conducts an individual interview to determine the extent of the patient's behavioral, psychological and physiological addiction to tobacco. Also assessed at the interview are the patient's medical history, stage of readiness for abstinence, and individual strengths and weaknesses that affect the quit attempt. Treatment options are discussed and an individualized treatment plan is developed. Literature about each medication is reviewed and a recommendation is made. Then, prior to writing prescriptions, patients are instructed regarding correct use of the product they select, possible side effects they may experience, and precautions against early termination of treatment.

Support Sessions
Following the initial assessment interview, patients attend weekly, one-hour group or individual sessions which teach behavior modification skills instrumental in recognizing and changing "smoking" behaviors to "nonsmoking" behaviors. At these sessions, patients are provided opportunities to share experiences and feelings regarding stopping tobacco.

Relapse Prevention
To increase the potential for success, the program incorporates efforts toward relapse prevention by providing 12-month intervention consisting of weekly maintenance groups and phone contact at three, six and 12 months. The weekly group sessions are available to all individuals enrolled in the program and are led by certified counselors. They focus on issues related to maintaining abstinence. The group sessions follow an open group format and are available to participants up to a year from the date of their initial enrollment into the program. Phone contact at three, six and 12 months is made in an effort to evaluate problems and/or progress. And finally, patients are encouraged to contact a counselor at The Center for Health Behavior Research for additional counseling and support as needed.

Center for Health Behavior Research Department of Public and Community Health 2387 HHP Building, Room #2387 University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742-2611 Phone: 301-405-0128 Fax: 301-314-5835 Contact us with questions, feedback, and comments.