Introduction: Smoking cessation therapies help well motivated smokers give up and increase the chance of success.
Background: Medical, behavioural and cognitive cessation therapies are aimed at relieving the secondary effects of stopping smoking: withdrawal symptoms and the urgent need to smoke. A prolonged follow up helps to prevent relapse.
Viewpoint: The education of doctors and the development of new drugs should increase the rate of successful withdrawal.
Conclusion: All doctors, particularly respiratory physicians, should be involved in smoking cessation. The aim of this practical guide is to help them in everyday practice.