Vanderbilt Nicotine Treatment Program
Overview
An evidence-based way to quit tobacco use and reduce health care costs
Tobacco use is the single-most preventable cause of disease and death in the United States. The habit not only causes serious health consequences for tobacco users, but it also leads to higher health care costs and lower productivity for their employers. Though its dangers are well-known, many have found it extremely difficult to quit nicotine-containing substances without assistance.
The Vanderbilt Nicotine Treatment Program takes an evidence-based approach to help those with a desire to stop smoking or other forms of nicotine use such as vaping and dipping. The program uses a combination of expert support, a clinically designed handbook and virtual support groups to keep participants focused over an intensive six-week period. After the six weeks are over, individualized follow-up sessions are offered regularly for up to a year.
The program is a proven way to keep employees healthy and productive while reducing health care costs. Employees feel more valued because of access to the benefit, and employers appreciate the convenience and ease of implementation. Employees simply let their HR representative know they are interested in joining the program, and Vanderbilt takes it from there.
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Focused on a Nicotine-Free Lifestyle
The program treats the underlying cause of addiction—nicotine. The goal is to develop a healthier, nicotine-free lifestyle one less cigarette, vape or dip at a time. The program also underscores the many benefits of quitting: Participants eliminate the cost of an expensive habit, but even more important, they achieve better overall health, allowing them to thrive in their personal and professional lives.
The Power of Support Groups
Support groups are at the core of the program. Evidence has shown that the connections made in these groups and the sharing of common challenges lead to greater success. Camaraderie fosters greater accountability since participants do not want to disappoint the other members of the group.
Groups of six to eight are led by nurses certified by the Association for the Treatment of Tobacco Use and Dependence (ATTUD). The emphasis is on honest, open-ended conversations to help participants better grasp their addiction, cope with their triggers and give them tools to succeed in their goal of quitting tobacco use.
The program’s support group meetings are held virtually and typically after work, prioritizing convenience and comfort for participants and allowing group members to join from any location.
The program is overseen by a nurse practitioner and medical director who can prescribe medication, including nicotine replacement therapy methods such as patches and gum, to support treatment as needed.
Valuable Support Materials
The handbook includes homework designed to keep participants moving along a logical, commonsense path while ensuring consistency among groups and members. Participants begin by stating the reasons they want to quit and setting a quit date. Subsequent topics include coping with urges, problem solving, handling slips and relapses, and building healthy habits. Putting goals, stress points and triggers down in writing also helps participants focus and track their progress. Homework and words of encouragement are also sent to group members via text.
Focused and Efficient
Potential participants take a readiness survey to help determine if they are ready to quit and gauge how likely they are to be successful. If someone has a high-stress event such as a move or a special event, for instance, it may not be the best time to try to quit. If the survey finds that the prospective participant isn’t truly prepared to quit right now, Vanderbilt can contact them again in six months.