Nicotine addiction therapy program goes up in smoke due to high demand

An unexpected increase in demand means nicotine replacement therapies for clients trying to quit smoking can no longer be available through South West Health.

The health district says it is re-evaluating this aspect of its nicotine addiction treatment program.

Nicotine replacement therapies, or NRTs, are medication aids that help people quit smoking. They come in many forms, including the patch, gum, nasal sprays and other products. “The nicotine addiction treatment program is the fastest growing component of Addiction Services,” said John Moore, district manager of Addiction Services. “There has been an unexpected growth in demand which has used up our entire budget to provide NRTs. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our clients.”

Since the program started five years ago, 27 per cent of clients have successfully quit cigarettes and 37 per cent have reduced their use.

The number of clients seeking treatment for nicotine addiction has increased from 203 in the first year of the program to 498 clients this year. Overall in that time period, it has grown by 145 per cent.

People who need help with nicotine addiction can still receive other forms of proven treatment from Addiction Services, such as behavioral treatment, which includes support and skills training. In addition to this treatment, clients will have the choice to participate in auricular acupuncture as part of their program.

Moore added that the review of the program will include a look at current-best practices, a cost-benefit analysis, and assessing the effectiveness of putting a greater emphasis on behaviour therapy along with pharmaceutical aids.