Mayo Clinic Studies New Ways to Help Friends and Family Members of Smokers Provide Effective Support

Monday, March 05, 2007

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Overcoming nicotine dependence is difficult and takes commitment, support and time. Whether they are family members or close friends, people who are concerned about and support a cigarette smoker who is trying to quit can play a very important role in this process. Yet many people who find themselves in this role don't know what to say and do. Recognizing that these skills can be taught, Mayo Clinic researchers are launching a study to examine which coaching and education methods are effective in preparing support people to help a smoker end tobacco use.

Nonsmokers age 18 and older who are concerned about a cigarette smoker and want to learn new ways to be supportive are eligible to enroll in this research study. Participants will receive educational materials and three coaching sessions by phone. Remuneration is offered.

"Nicotine is a highly addictive substance. For many people, it can be more addictive than cocaine or heroin," according to Christi Patten, Ph.D., the Mayo Clinic psychologist leading this study. "Most smokers make four or five attempts to quit before they are successful. Research has shown that positive support and encouragement is a much more effective way to help a smoker quit than nagging or threatening. We are conducting this study to find the best ways to teach individuals how to support the smokers in their lives who want to quit." For information regarding the study, call 1-800-957-2950 (toll free) or e-mail mayosupport@mayo.edu.

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