Workings of a Non-Smoking Program:
Named Sources: Susanne Lüderitz, Central Testing Institute for Prevention, Association of Health Insurance Funds (vdek)
Berlin Offers Certified Smoking Cessation Courses, Partially Covered by Health Insurance
BERLIN — Smoking can lead to numerous health issues and create strong addictions. Quitting is often challenging, prompting many to attend group smoking cessation courses—certified prevention programs partially funded by health insurance.
Who's Eligible for the Courses?
Susanne Lüderitz, a certified psychologist who offers such courses at her Berlin practice, states that these courses are designed for individuals who feel uneasy about their smoking habits, which impact their daily routines and time management. She also welcomes those who have recently quit smoking and need support to maintain this change, as well as smokers planning to quit before surgery.
A primary motivator is concern for one's health and the desire to make positive lifestyle changes.
What Happens in a Smoking Cessation Course?
Long-term smokers and early starters should consider themselves dry nicotine addicts, similar to dry alcoholics, according to Lüderitz. This is why the courses address the addiction at its root, focusing on thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Participants gain knowledge about nicotine addiction, examine their smoking patterns, reflect on the functions of their smoking habits, and learn alternative strategies.
"Through discussions, participants share experiences and tell stories, fostering a beneficial exchange," Lüderitz explains. Behavior-oriented exercises and relaxation techniques are used to facilitate the transition from the course environment to daily life.
Preparing for Potential Relapses
Relapses can occur, and preparing for them is essential. Participants learn about typical relapse patterns, common relapse risks such as stress, alcohol, and social smoking triggers.
Locating a Refundable Course
Legally insured individuals can seek partial reimbursement for certified smoking cessation courses if they are cognitively-behaviorally oriented group consultations certified by the Central Testing Institute for Prevention. The courses typically consist of eight to twelve sessions lasting 45 to 90 minutes each, with six to fifteen participants.
Interested individuals can find these courses by searching local programs, consulting health insurance providers, or contacting local public health organizations or government health departments in Berlin. Online directories like the International Therapist Directory can also help locate counselors or therapists offering smoking cessation programs.
By following these steps, individuals can find a suitable, partially-funded smoking cessation course in Berlin to help manage their nicotine addiction and lead a smoke-free life.
- These certified smoking cessation courses, partially funded by health insurance, are designed for individuals who are concerned about the impact of their smoking habits on their health-and-wellness, and are seeking to make positive lifestyle changes, including those who want to quit smoking before surgery.
- In addition to fostering a beneficial exchange through shared experiences and storytelling, the courses help participants learn about nicotine addiction, examine their smoking patterns, reflect on the functions of their smoking habits, and develop alternative strategies.
- To combat potential relapses, participants learn about common relapse risks such as stress, alcohol, and social smoking triggers, and acquire strategies to mitigate these risks, thereby increasing their chances of success in their quest for mental-health and health-and-wellness through science-based therapies-and-treatments aimed at fitness-and-exercise and nicotine addiction management.
