How to Perform an Assessment of a Smoker

Performing a thorough assessment of a smoker provides valuable information, such as the smoker's personal goals regarding tobacco use or cessation, tobacco and nicotine dependence, the effects of smoking on the individual's health, and the potential barriers to achieving the intended goal. Medical professionals often assess a smoker during an office visit or hospitalization. Counselors or social workers may also assess before making a referral to community resources. When assessing a smoker, the focus should be on building rapport, gathering information and being supportive without displaying shame or judgement. According to the Centers for Disease Control, an estimated 44.5 million adults in the U.S. smoke cigarettes, and more than 8.6 million have at least one serious illness caused by smoking.

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  Build rapport. nice to meet you image by Jake Hellbach from Fotolia.com

  Build rapport with the person being assessed. This can be done through self introduction, casual conversation and discussion of what to expect during the assessment.

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  Ask about goals related to smoking. Quit smoking image by Warren Millar from Fotolia.com

  Ask if the smoker has any particular goals related to smoking, such as quitting or cutting down. If the smoker is interested in quitting, clarify the anticipated time frame, such as within 30 days or 6 months.

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  Assess tobacco type, amount and frequency used. the greater cigar smoking. image by Yuri Bizgaimer from Fotolia.com

  Ask about tobacco dependence, such as the type of tobacco (cigarettes, pipe, cigar, hookah), the amount and the frequency smoked (20 cigarettes per day, two-hour hookah session twice per week).

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  Drinking coffee is a common trigger. coffee and cigarette image by Svetlana Kashkina from Fotolia.com

  Ask about current triggers. A trigger is any habit, situation or emotion that consciously or subconsciously precedes the act of smoking. Triggers can also be categorized as behavioral (habits such as after meals or while driving), emotional (stress or happiness) or environmental (being around other smokers at home or work).

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  Smoking causes numerous health problems. chinese woman holding an x-ray image by Allen Penton from Fotolia.com

  Ask about any possible smoking-related health problems, such as asthma, emphysema or heart disease. Smokers may also identify symptoms such as shortness of breath, low energy or high blood pressure. Additional but less obvious smoking-related health problems could include diabetes, high cholesterol or peripheral vascular disease.

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  Most individuals start smoking as a young teenager. smoking image by Andrii IURLOV from Fotolia.com

  Ask about smoking history, including duration and prior quits. The duration can be determined by asking the age at which the individual started smoking. Prior quits include planned attempts to stop smoking or other unplanned times without tobacco (for example, being hospitalized). Ask about methods used and duration of past quits. Methods can include nicotine replacement therapy, prescription medication, attending classes, tapering or cold turkey.