There is an old truism: “Misery loves company.” Unfortunately, for most people who try to quit smoking, there is a good bit of misery associated with the effort. Therefore, it makes sense that quitters naturally would like to get together to share their pain. At the very least, who else would want to hear them gripe?

The group therapy model also benefits from the fact it can be combined with other smoking cessation treatments, such as nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) or hypnosis. Even those trying to quit “cold turkey” – that is using no other drug or treatment options – also can benefit.

Based on Alcoholics Anonymous

Group therapy for those wanting to quit smoking generally is based on the model developed by Alcoholics Anonymous in the mid 20th century. In those days, as with the early days of the smoking cessation movement, there were few other places to turn. These so-called “12-step programs” urge participants to admit they have no control over an addiction and to trust in a “higher power” to help them deal with the problem.

This model has been used numerous times and for numerous problems, ranging from alcoholism and drug addiction to weight control and gambling addiction. While not wholly religious or sectarian, these groups rely on togetherness and faith to complete successful behavior modification.

Counseling

Counseling groups come in all types and sizes, and in both private and public venues. Some groups, particularly counseling by a private-practice therapist or psychologist, can be expensive. Others, sponsored by a local church or hospital, may be free of charge. Groups go by such names as SmokeEnders, Nicotine Anonymous, and Smoke Watchers.

There are certain basics for anyone seeking counseling to remember and should carry over to whatever type of counseling chosen. As outlined by one health care policy and research organization, counseling programs should consist or four or more sessions, which should last for at least 20 to 30 minutes each. The sessions should be spread out over at least two weeks, but preferably for at least eight weeks.

Effectiveness

It is difficult to say just how effective group or individual counseling is, partly because it often is used in combination with other treatment plans. Overall, there is no smoking cessation treatment option that is successful more than approximately 20 percent to 25 percent of the time, even though one British study found that 53 percent of successful quitters it polled found it easier than they had expected.

Analysis of the effectiveness of group therapies did find they were more effective than going cold turkey alone. It also found that longer term, more intensive counseling was more effective than occasional visits to a smoking cessation group. The research did not offer an opinion on whether the success rate was worth the time or expense of following it.

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