SUS offers free treatment for those who want to quit smoking

The Unified Health System (SUS) offers free treatment to anyone who wants to quit smoking. In São Paulo, care is provided through the Smoking Cessation Program, promoted by the Ministry of Health and the National Cancer Institute (INCA) and coordinated by the São Paulo State Health Department (SES).

In São Paulo, treatment takes place in basic health care units (UBS) and in psychosocial care centers (AD caps). In other parts of the country, the Ministry of Health recommends looking for the nearest health unit.

“Smoking is the number one preventable cause of death in the world. The Coordinator of the Smoking Cessation Program said that educational, legislative and economic measures in Brazil have increased the number of people who want to quit, highlighting the importance of prioritizing the treatment of smokers as a primary strategy in Tobacco control Tobacco use in the Municipal Health Network of São Paulo, Liamar de Abreu Ferreira.

Smoking is a disease caused by physical dependence on nicotine, and causes about 50 different diseases, such as emphysema, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases, such as acute myocardial infarction and stroke. In Brazil, more than 160,000 deaths a year are attributed to tobacco, according to data from the Ministry of Health’s Epidemiological Bulletin.

treatment or treatment

In São Paulo, treatment to eliminate cigarette addiction takes place in weekly meetings. There is three months of care and one year of follow-up. Sessions are coordinated by health professionals.

The patient’s motivation to quit smoking, the level of physical dependence on nicotine, the presence of comorbid psychiatric illnesses, and the need to use medications will be analyzed. Nicotine patches, gum, lozenges, and bupropion hydrochloride are available through SUS.