Smoking Management Freedom Team

I have worked my way through tobacco control state laws, city ordinances, and company policies (there is no national law). All of these controls depend heavily upon self-compliance. And they work fairly well.

Consistent violators are reported, and shamed into compliance, by the rest of the endangered community. A peculiar behavior I have observed is that the bluff and bluster of an addicted smoker disappears after the community sets the effective date for the end of smoke exposure in some manner.

There is an explanation for this change in behavior. Over half of smokers living in multi-unit housing vote for tobacco smoke free exposure.

The often-quoted “70% of smokers wanting to quit” shows here. They see an environment free of smoke as an important aid in quitting. The smell of tobacco smoke is a powerful trigger.

So it turns out that the last grouping I need to consider is also the foundation for tobacco control compliance; that group is not just smokers. It is everyone in the community.

A group larger than five, needs to be divided into functional teams. Each team needs to have at least one smoker interested in managing his/her addiction.

The teams need names. This provides a sense of accountability for prizes without needing to publish names. (Many smokers feel rejected and isolated. It is important to feel part of a positive supportive team. This is the main function of a team.)

Suggested times for teams to celebrate:

1. Each member's first smoke free day, first week, first month.

3. Entire site first smoke free day, first week, first month.

Team prizes are important and should be significant (equal to $60 per month per employee reported at one company in town). The new non-smoker is the star, but as in all sports, it is the team that wins, that earns recognition for their support. [Consider traveling trophies between participating sites.]

Promote the formation of freedom teams. Then each member calls 1-800-LUNGUSA for a free copy of their “Freedom from Smoking” self-help workbooks, that guide the team to success. (it takes about a week for delivery).

[Also contact the local city/county health department and CDC 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) for free 2-week alternative nicotine supplies.] 

Viral bylaw: After becoming comfortable with my own nicotine management or becoming a non-smoker, I will assist in at least one more team, at this location or at another location.     

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