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Tobacco dependence (stop smoking): assessment + prescribing

A detailed Australian summary of tobacco dependence (stop smoking): assessment + prescribing, with source-attributed priorities, a practical workflow, safety escalation and state or territory implementation boundaries.

JurisdictionAustralia
Source check2026-08-20
Clinical reviewiatroX editorial team 路 Clinical editorial review 路 reviewed 2026-08-20 路 due 2027-08-20
AudienceHealthcare professionals practising in Australia
This is an iatroX educational summary of named Australia sources, not an official guideline. It does not replace the complete source documents, local policy, specialist advice or clinical judgement. Apply current TGA product information, PBS restrictions, state or territory law, local referral criteria, formulary and antimicrobial policy. A national recommendation does not create uniform service access.

Scope

Ask and record all smoked, vaped and smokeless nicotine use, dependence, previous attempts, triggers and readiness without making support conditional on readiness. Give clear personalized advice to quit and offer behavioural support plus effective pharmacotherapy, because combination treatment improves quit success. This summary is limited to the population, decisions and escalation boundaries stated in the named source.
sources for this section:RACGP smoking cessation

The Bottom Line

  • Ask and record all smoked, vaped and smokeless nicotine use, dependence, previous attempts, triggers and readiness without making support conditional on readiness.
  • Give clear personalized advice to quit and offer behavioural support plus effective pharmacotherapy, because combination treatment improves quit success.
  • Vaping cessation support should assess nicotine concentration, dual smoking, device pattern and the person鈥檚 reasons for use.
  • Select nicotine replacement, varenicline or another option using contraindications, pregnancy, mental health, kidney function, interactions and prior response.
sources for this section:RACGP smoking cessation

Practical clinical workflow

1

Topic-specific assessment action

Ask and record all smoked, vaped and smokeless nicotine use, dependence, previous attempts, triggers and readiness without making support conditional on readiness.
2

Topic-specific diagnostic action

Select nicotine replacement, varenicline or another option using contraindications, pregnancy, mental health, kidney function, interactions and prior response.
3

Topic-specific management action

Set a quit or reduction plan, address withdrawal and lapses, arrange early follow-up and re-offer support repeatedly rather than treating relapse as failure.
4

Topic-specific follow-through

Adjust interacting medicines when smoking stops because loss of smoke-induced metabolism can increase concentrations of selected drugs.
sources for this section:RACGP smoking cessation

Safety boundaries and escalation

  • For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, provide culturally safe support and connect with locally preferred Aboriginal tobacco-control services.
  • Pregnancy care should prioritize behavioural support and approved nicotine replacement through shared risk discussion rather than continued smoking.
sources for this section:RACGP smoking cessation

Implementation

The named source is national or binational guidance used in Australia, but referral access, public-health directions, formularies and funded services can still differ by state, territory and health service. Check current TGA product information for medicines. Offer culturally safe care and use the NACCHO鈥揜ACGP National Guide where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander preventive or chronic-care recommendations differ.
sources for this section:RACGP smoking cessation

Clinical use boundary

This independently written summary is not an official guideline. Check the linked source version, current TGA-approved product information where medicines are involved, and the applicable state, territory and local pathway at the point of care.

sources for this section:RACGP smoking cessation

Source documents

Use the linked source documents for complete recommendations, evidence grading, exclusions and implementation detail.

  1. Royal Australian College of General PractitionersSupporting smoking cessation: A guide for health professionalsCurrent web guideline checked 2026-08-20 路 accessed 2026-08-20
    view source
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