Smokers' who want to kick the habit are not getting the help they need

Filed in archive Cases , Treatment on June 16, 2006

Nowadays, smokers are finding it harder and harder to enjoy a cigarette in public. As states continue to pass laws that restrict where smokers can light up, smokers who want to drop the habit are finding it difficult to get help for their addiction. According to an article on FoxNews.com, today's treatment methods for smoking cessation are more effective than ever. The trouble is, smokers are having problems accessing the treatments.

The article states that an estimated 46 million people lack health insurance and therefore can't afford to seek medical care. Those who do have health insurance are frequently finding that their insurance doesn't cover treatment that would help them stop smoking. Compounding the problem is the fact that many smokers are uninformed about the existing treatments.

Smokers who want to quit really do need the help. According to the article, roughly 440,000 adult smokers die from smoking related illnesses every year. Those who try to quit smoking on their own face daunting odds; only about 1 smoker in 20 successfully kicks the habit without some form of treatment. Research shows that the most effective treatments combine medications with counseling. Without insurance coverage, getting the most effective treatment can be cost prohibitive.

It seems to me that as much as we know about the dangers and high costs associated with cigarette smoking, policy makers and insurance company executives should be more proactive about helping people quit the habit. And that includes making high quality treatment for smoking addiction available and affordable for everyone.

About the author: In her spare time, knotheadus writes for Epinions.com and maintains her own Web site, knot-heads.com.