THEORETICAL FOUNDATION
There are at least three reasons that teens fail to quit using nicotine and tobacco products: social influences, chemical dependency, and a lack of motivation. The Project EX program is derived from a motivation–coping skills–personal commitment model of teen cessation.
Motivation: Enhancing motivation to quit nicotine and tobacco use involves generating reasons to quit (Session 1), discussion of information on the many dangers of using nicotine and tobacco products (Session 3), and use of enjoyable activities (games and phychodramas) that help teens see the effects of their use on others (Session 1). This program also helps teens to realize that nicotine and tobacco use may increase, not decrease, one’s stress level over time (Session 2), that there are many negative effects of using nicotine-containing products (Session 3), that the longer one quits the easier it is to stay stopped (Session 4), and that it is easier and better to quit now rather than waiting until one is older (Session 8).
Coping Skills: Program instruction includes information and practice on selecting a quit approach (Session 4), managing withdrawal symptoms (Sessions 1, 4, and 5), effectively coping with stress (Session 2), and overcoming cognitive barriers to quitting (Sessions 4 and 5). The program also promotes relaxation and good nutrition (Sessions 5 and 6), provides assertiveness training (Session 7), instruction in anger management (Session 7), and tips for avoiding relapse (Session 8).
Personal Commitment: Midway through the program, students make a personal commitment to quit using nicotine-containing products (Session 4), and review and sustain their commitment by the end of the program (Session 8).