There is some preliminary evidence that behavioural support increases quit rates in adolescents but no evidence that pharmacotherapy is effective.

A small number of trials have suggested that behavioural treatments and NRT are effective in adolescent smokers but these have yet to be widely replicated. Behavioural approaches that are effective for adults could be considered, but the content should be developmentally appropriate.

NRT and bupropion may be considered for the treatment of adolescents who have symptoms of nicotine dependence and who wish to quit, but direct trials of these medications show limited evidence of efficacy.

Grimshaw GM, Stanton A. Tobacco cessation interventions for young people. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2006, 4.

McDonald P, Colwell B, Backinger CL, et al. Better practices for youth tobacco cessation: evidence of review panel. Am J Health Behav. 2003; 27 (Suppl 2): S144-S158.

Youth Tobacco Cessation. A Guide for Making Informed Decisions. US DHSS CDC, 2004.