What type of therapy combines behavioral support with medication for smoking cessation?

Combined therapy refers to an approach that integrates both behavioral support and pharmacological interventions to help individuals quit smoking. This method is considered highly effective because it addresses both the psychological aspects of addiction and the physiological dependence on nicotine.

Behavioral support typically involves strategies such as counseling, coaching, and support groups that provide motivation, coping strategies, and tools to manage cravings and avoid triggers. The medication component can include nicotine replacement therapies (like patches or gums) or prescription medications that reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

Research has shown that when these two components are used together, individuals are more likely to successfully quit smoking compared to using either method alone. By combining behavioral strategies with the effectiveness of medications, combined therapy maximizes the chances of a successful cessation outcome. This comprehensive approach is supported by clinical guidelines recommending it for patients attempting to quit smoking, underscoring its importance in smoking cessation programs.