The New York Society of Addiction Medicine (NYSAM) is offering a free online nicotine addiction learning module for healthcare professionals. Developed in conjunction with the New York City Health Department, the interactive online learning module is entitled Treating Tobacco Use. The goal of the online tool is to enhance provider knowledge on how to effectively assess, counsel, and treat nicotine addiction and tobacco use.

NYSAM strongly believes in the necessity of addressing nicotine addiction. Given the high-profile nature of illegal drugs and the toleration of nicotine by 12-step groups, nicotine addiction is too often ignored by healthcare professionals.

As the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, healthcare professionals need to take advantage of their position of authority by helping patients successfully quit tobacco. If successful, such efforts will simultaneously lower a patient’s risk of heart disease, stroke, COPD, and other life-threatening conditions as well.

Four highlights of the module include:

1. The “5 A's” model of treating tobacco use
2. Provider/patient communication techniques
3. Treatment options and guidance, including combination therapy
4. Billing information for smoking cessation counseling

By incorporating this module into the course load of current medical students as well as recommending it as a continuing education option for healthcare professionals across the board, the awareness of treatment options for nicotine addiction will greatly improve. Healthcare professionals will have easy access to the tools and resources needed to counsel and prescribe for tobacco use.