New Tobacco Cessation Treatment Guidelines Released by VA and DoD
By
Debbie Bunch
October 5, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: New Tobacco Cessation Treatment Guidelines Released by VA and DoD
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Tobacco and Nicotine Dependence Key Mechanisms Motivational interviewing and FDA-approved pharmacotherapies Target Population Veterans and military service members Care Setting Clinical practice guideline for tobacco cessation
Key Highlights
32 recommendations across ten topic areas Varenicline recommended over other pharmacologic agents NRT monotherapy not preferred over multiple modalities Bupropion sustained-release use beyond 12 weeks Guideline includes emerging tobacco products like ENDS Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Use motivational interviewing to enhance engagement in treatment Management
Recommend varenicline and combination NRT for cessation Encourage quit attempts among patients not ready to quit Monitoring & Follow-up
Evaluate effectiveness of pharmacotherapy combinations Risks
Identify individual characteristics for better medication responses Patient & Prescribing Data
Patients with tobacco and nicotine dependence
NRT and varenicline increase quit attempts and abstinence
Clinical Best Practices
Incorporate motivational interviewing in treatment plans Utilize a multidisciplinary approach for tobacco cessation Related Resources & Content
