Overview

Mayo Clinic provides a unique intensive treatment option for stopping smoking. It combines the latest research in human behavior and addiction medicine into a smoking rehab program individualized for you. The program is part of the Nicotine Dependence Center at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. More than 1,900 people have been treated since the program began in 1992.

This residential smoking cessation program offers:

  • Two virtual previsits to prepare for the onsite program.
  • Smoking cessation counseling for individuals and groups.
  • Quit smoking medicines.
  • Doctor-supervised care.
  • Long-term follow-up to prevent smoking relapse.

Please register 3 to 4 weeks before the dates you wish to attend. This enables the program team to schedule your virtual previsits in a timely way.

What to expect from this smoking cessation program

The tobacco cessation program lasts five days, from Monday to Friday, and is based on effective principles of addiction therapy and behavior change. Sessions are kept small, with no more than 8 participants. This helps ensure that each person's needs are met. You're assigned an individual counselor who is certified as a tobacco treatment specialist. An internal medicine doctor or nurse practitioner oversees your care.

Services include:

  • Medical assessment.
  • Daily medical follow-up.
  • Individual and group counseling.
  • Educational sessions on topics such as smoking relapse, managing cravings, relationships and support, and managing stress.

Participants reside at a local hotel next to Mayo Clinic. A desk attendant is available at the hotel during hours when the treatment program is not in session to help with any questions and concerns. Mayo Clinic provides snacks, games, and a safe and welcoming environment at the hotel to aid with your comfort.

Personal and medical care independence

All participants must be able to perform personal care without help. This includes toileting, bathing, dressing, eating and taking medicines.

Full participation and attendance

The benefit you gain from our treatment and education sessions depends on the energy you put into it. Our goal is for you to take to heart what you learn in this program and apply it to your own life. As part of this learning process, all participants are expected to attend all scheduled sessions.

Respect

When choosing to enter the program, you become an important part of the treatment process not only for yourself but for every member of your group. Each participant brings their unique experiences with them as part of their tobacco treatment. And each person is to be approached from a place of respect, kindness and dignity by other participants in the program.

Substance Use

The use of tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis and other illegal substances is prohibited in this program. This includes during "off hours."

After the program

Staff members follow up regularly with all program participants to help prevent relapse.

Program dates | Program costs | Program guidelines

Registration requests

To submit a registration request for the intensive smoking cessation program, you may use the online appointment request form or contact the Nicotine Dependence Center by phone or email.

Contact

  • Phone: 507-266-9392 or 507-266-1930
  • 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central time, Monday through Friday
  • Email: [email protected]

Mailing address:

  • Nicotine Dependence Center
  • Intensive Tobacco Treatment Program
  • Mayo Clinic
    201 Building, Second Floor, Suite 20
    200 First St. SW
    Rochester, MN 55905