Overall, adolescent tobacco use cessation programs have yielded low success rates (Moolchan, Ernst, and Henningfield, 2000). As stated in the Five-Stage Model of Adolescent Smoking, many adolescents are in the process of developing dependence to tobacco, whereas the majority of adults have been dependent for a number of years or decades (Flay, Hu, & Richardson, 1998; Moolchan, Ernst, and Henningfield, 2000). Tobacco use patterns with adolescents vary in rate and frequency of use compared to that of adults (Chassin et al., 1990). Treatment success may depend on individually tailored and developmentally appropriate ways to enhance motivation (Moolchan, Ernst, and Henningfield, 2000).
 

Treatment interventions include:

Psychosocial Interventions

Few controlled psychosocial and education treatment studies in adolescents have been reported. One intervention reported that those students who were exposed to fewer smoking individuals in their daily lives maintained a reduction in smoking for a month; however, there were no reports on long-term efficacy (Prince, 1995).

Pharmacological Approaches

In addition to the lack of controlled studies, insufficient data exist to guide the generalized application of pharmacotherapies (Moolchan, Ernst, and Henningfield, 2000).

Combined Approaches

Biopsychosocial (medication with brief behavioral counseling) interventions may be indicated for youth; however, limited data exist with adolescent smokers (USDHHS, 1994).

Youth-Tailored Approaches

Few data are available to guide the design of appropriate interventions for adolescents. However, addressing the social role of smoking in the lives and self-image of adolescents may improve efficacy of treatment programs (Sussman et al., 1991; Moolchan, Ernst, and Henningfield, 2000)

Reduction

Few smoking cessation studies have demonstrated a reduction in cigarette consumption by adolescents (Smith et al., 1996; Hurt et al., 1999). However, it has not been shown that overall reduction of smoking decreases illness and death. This would indicate that lower smoking rates could be a valid treatment outcome. Also, it remains to be demonstrated whether the use of harm-reduction or exposure-reduction approaches does not undermine prevention and cessation efforts (Moolchan, Ernst, and Henningfield, 2000).