TREATMENT OF SMOKELESS TOBACCO USE THROUGH A FORMALIZED CESSATION PROGRAM

The present study was designed to investigate the effectiveness of a cessation program developed specifically for smokeless tobacco use. The treatment consisted of eight one-hour sessions over a period of six weeks and included cue extinction, target date quitting, a buddy system, and relapse prevention. A multiple baseline design across treatment groups was employed to assess effectiveness of the intervention. Eight male smokeless tobacco users participated in the study. Of the seven participants who actually completed the cessation program, six quit using smokeless tobacco and remained abstinent for nine months after treatment ended. These results were confirmed by collateral sources. The success of the treatment package in the reduction of smokeless tobacco use in an adult population, and the need for further study of the comparisons between smokeless tobacco cessation and smoking cessation are discussed. © 1991 Association for Advancement of Behavior Therapy. All rights reserved.