Winter 2008-2009 - Mayo Clinic

success rate is 28 percent after a year. Some patients who are
hospitalized at Mayo Clinic for another reason are treated
simultaneously for tobacco use. Approximately 32 percent of
those patients are tobacco-free one year later. This compares
with the average success rate of 3 percent to 5 percent for
people who try to quit tobacco use without treatment.
“We’re proud of our success, but we’re relentless in the
pursuit of new ways to help patients,” says Ivana Croghan,
Ph.D., coordinator of research programs at the Nicotine
Cigarette smoking accounts for
90 percent of lung cancer cases.
Dependence Center and an associate professor of medicine.
“We have conducted more than 180 research studies in the
last 20 years, and we try to quickly translate what we learn
into better patient care. We have been instrumental in
testing many of the current treatments, including nicotine
replacement products — patches, gum, inhaler, nasal spray
vaccine, lozenges; bupropion, varenicline, gabapentin, herbal
medication and combinations of medications. We have
worked with various forms of tobacco dependence, including
chewing tobacco; different types of users, including
adolescents, young adults, adults and Alaskan natives; and
concurrent medical conditions including ADHD, COPD,
cancer and alcoholism.”
Nicotine Dependence Center
Mayo Clinic’s Nicotine Dependence Center was one of the
first in the country to focus exclusively on treating patients
who have tobacco dependence. Since 1988 when it opened,
the center has treated more than 40,000 patients. Treatment
usually combines counseling and medication. Specialists
trained in motivational interviewing help patients build
upon their strengths to succeed.
An eight-day residential treatment program is effective
with patients who have tried other methods without success.
Education
The Nicotine Dependence Center has educated more
than 8,500 health care professionals about evidence-based
treatment. Participants in these education programs have
included physicians, nurse practitioners, physician
assistants, dentists, psychologists, chemical dependency
counselors, respiratory therapists, nurses, social workers
and other professionals.
In 2009, the Nicotine Dependence Center will begin
offering classes via webcast.
The center also offers an intensive five-day course for
health care providers who work with tobacco-dependent
patients. Successful completion earns providers the Tobacco
Treatment Specialist Certification.
The Science of Quitting: Visitors to the Center for Tobacco-Free
Living learn that the key components for treating tobacco dependence
are counseling and medications, including nicotine-replacement
therapy and other prescription drugs. Treatment with medication
can more than double an individual’s chances of quitting.
12 | Mayo Alumni Winter 2009