Section: Module 9: Lesson 3: Handling Relapses in Smoking Cessation | Prevention and Treatment of Tobacco Use | NextGenU.org

  • Student Learning Outcomes:
    Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:
    • Discuss how to respond to a relapse in a supportive and positive manner.
    • Explain how to adjust a treatment plan following a relapse.
    • Identify different strategies and techniques for rebuilding motivation and commitment to cessation.
    • Discuss how to tailor these strategies to meet the needs and circumstances of different patients.
    • Demonstrate empathy and supportive communication in a role-play scenario featuring a patient who has experienced a relapse.
    Approximate time required to complete the readings (at 144 words/minute) and assignments for this lesson: 1 hour and 24 minutes.

    Click here to start this lesson

    • Required Learning Resources and Activities
    • Web page. (10 minutes)

      GoodRX Health - 2022

    • Read the entire article. (4 minutes)

      Tobacco Use and Dependence Guideline Panel - 2008

    • In this activity you will learn about the experience of patients during their smoking cessation efforts and reflect on these experiences.

      Step 1: Read stories from former smokers at the following link: Former Smokers

      Step 2: Reflect on what you learned from the readings, and select the case that made the most impact on you.

      Step 3: Write a reflection piece (250 - 500 words) discussing:

      • The challenges these individuals faced in their efforts to quit smoking
      • Your emotional response to their stories
      • Your understanding of why smoking cessation is a process

      Step 4: Post your treatment program on the course's discussion board for other learners to view. Click “add a new discussion topic” below, complete the fields, and paste a link to your product. If you're open to having your work showcased on our website and social media, include this in your post description.

      Step 5: Though not required, you're encouraged to explore the work done by other learners. Engaging with these works can provide inspiration and offer new insights.

      OPTIONAL Step 6: Interact (10 minutes)

      If you would like to, you can reply to your peers' posts in a respectful and professional manner. Ensure that your post engages your peers' ideas by including a reflection on their comments, sharing ideas of other potential difficulties and parties involved, or asking thought-provoking questions. If a peer comments on your posting, please reply. To post a reply, click “Reply” on a particular discussion, write your feedback and then click on “Post to forum.”


    • To access the quiz, click on the name of the quiz provided above. On the following screen, click the attempt quiz button to respond to the questions.