Smoking Cessation - Stages of Change

Assess client’s readiness to change and utilize the appropriate intervention.

Offer to arrange for follow-up or referral for clients in each stage of change as appropriate.

Precontemplation

Not thinking of quitting in the next 6 months.

Goal: Help client think about quitting.

ASK about feelings, pros and cons. Offer information.
ASSIST by offering resources.

Contemplation

Thinking of quitting in the next 6 months.

Goal: Help client move towards quitting soon. Increase self-confidence.

ASK about barriers to change. Explore creating smoke-free spaces.

Preparation

Planning to quit in the next month.

Goal: Help client develop quitting skills.
ADVISE by identifying barriers to stopping and finding solutions.
ASSIST by providing information, devising an action plan, setting a quit date in the next 2 weeks and discussing NRT and pharmacotherapy.

Action

Quit in the last 6 months.

Goal: Help client not to smoke and understand slips and relapses.

ASK about relapse prevention plan, triggers, successes, NRT and pharmacotherapy use.
ASSIST with resources, referrals and developing social support network.

Maintenance

Quit for more than 6 months.

ASK about planning for the future.
ADVISE on issues raised by client, reinforcing health benefits.
ASSIST with preparation for difficult situations.