Nicotine Dependence Center in Minnesota

Group Program

The Tobacco Independence Group is a six-week, group program designed to help people stop using tobacco. Research shows that group support combined with medications can quadruple your success when compared with quitting on your own.

The group is led by tobacco treatment specialists and includes up to 12 participants. Group members share their plans, successes and challenges with initial attempts to quit smoking. Treatment specialists provide a unique, supportive opportunity for each participant to learn to be and stay tobacco free. The combination of peer support and clinical expertise offers an environment conducive to long-term successful quitting.

Individuals interested in the Tobacco Independence Group meet first with a certified tobacco treatment specialist and develop an individualized treatment plan. The six-week program will be held one day a week from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Nicotine Dependence Center, Colonial Building.

For more information, call the Nicotine Dependence Center at
507-266-1930 to schedule an appointment for an initial intake session.

Program Description

Session 1 — Preparation for Quitting
You'll get to know the treatment team and the tobacco users who will be in your group and quitting with you. Individual treatment plans will be reviewed and adapted as needed. You will make a commitment to come to the next group session having been tobacco-free all day prior to that second group.

Session 2 — Quit Day-First Full Day Tobacco-Free
You will be happy and amazed that you did it. You will have an opportunity to ask questions about your medications; you'll talk about what worked to help you make it through the day, and you will make a plan to effectively stay tobacco-free for the next week.

Session 3 — 8 Days Tobacco-Free
You will tell about your full week of tobacco-free living, the successes, the challenges. Building upon your experiences and the experiences of others in the group you'll adapt your treatment plan to be able to more competently meet trigger situations and to manage cravings. You'll make a commitment to return to group smoke-free.

Session 4 — You have done the hardest part
Through review and planning, you will improve your ability to successfully resolve situations in which you would formerly use tobacco. You'll build on your success and the success and challenges of others.

Session 5 — It should be getting easier
You'll review your progress. You will learn to deal with unexpected triggers. You'll enhance your relapse prevention techniques.

Session 6 — Celebration!