Project EX: an effective nicotine and tobacco use cessation program for teens

Objectives and Activities

The program involves enjoyable, motivating activities such as games, mock talk shows, yoga and healthy breathing. At the completion of the program, youth will be able to:

• Stop or reduce use of nicotine-containing products.
• State accurate information about environmental, social, physiological, and emotional consequences of nicotine and tobacco product use.
• Practice complimentary and alternative medicine activities and techniques, such as healthy breathing, yoga, meditation, and relaxation.
• Demonstrate interpersonal, decision making, commitment-building, coping and self-control skills learned in the program.
• Make a personal commitment about quitting nicotine and tobacco use.

Program Overview

The Project EX program has proved successful when implemented with students across ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. By participating in Project EX, students will accurately learn about nicotine and tobacco addiction and disease, and develop an empathetic understanding of the effects of nicotine-containing product use on themselves and those around them. The 8-session curriculum is delivered over a 6-week period. It provides instruction on coping with stress, dealing with nicotine withdrawal, practicing relaxation techniques, and avoiding relapse. It aims to teach self-control, anger and mood management, and goal setting techniques, while enhancing self-esteem.