Cigarette smoking is the most preventable cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. The benefits of stopping tobacco use are substantial, and include increased life expectancy and along with physical activity, hold the greatest potential for improving overall physical wellbeing.

Mayo Clinic's Nicotine Dependence Center (NDC), in Rochester, Minn., is comprised of three programs: Treatment, Education and Research -- each led by an Associate Director and Program Coordinator. The full integration of all three programs is consistent with the Mayo philosophy of providing the best care possible for our patients, in this case, those who use tobacco. The incorporation of clinical practice, patient and staff education, and research throughout our efforts allows for the prompt translation of research findings into patient care.

One of the first to focus exclusively on treating patients dependent on tobacco, since opening in 1988, the Center has helped more than 40,000 people with that dependence. The NDC offers a variety of programs to help people address their dependence on tobacco. In addition, the Education Program offers a number of programs and resources for health care providers and others who seek to assist in that process.

In the Nicotine Dependence Center, tobacco use interventions (ways to help people quit) are initially tested for efficacy in the Research Program. These include psychosocial, behavioral and pharmacologic options. When a new intervention is proven effective, a model is developed for the incorporation of the intervention into the treatment of patients through the Treatment Program. Treatment models are then disseminated through the Education Program, which is involved in the education of health care professionals around the world.