Tobaccoology is the medical discipline that is interested in the study of tobacco, smoking, the phenomena of dependence, help with withdrawal and prevention of smoking.

The discipline aims to train members of the medical staff (doctors, dental surgeons, nurses, midwives, psychologists, etc.) in research in tobacco science, aid with withdrawal and health consequences of smoking (2).

The tobacco consultation is for smokers wishing to quit smoking or having a loved one wishing to quit smoking.

The role of the tobacco specialist is to inform, prevent and fight against tobacco and the disorders associated with it. This includes helping the smoker to strengthen his motivation to quit smoking.

It allows comprehensive, personal and adapted care, by offering drugs and substitutes, but also counseling and psychological support.

During the consultation, the tobacco specialist inquires about:

• age of onset of tobacco use;
• the number of cigarettes consumed daily;
• the circumstances which cause this consumption to increase or decrease;
• any attempts to stop and the reasons for these failures;
• or the effects on health.

He may also use tests to measure behavioral and physical dependence on tobacco.

The tobacco specialist ensures regular follow-up to maximize the chances of successfully quitting smoking. He adapts his treatment and follow-up to each smoker.

Note that in Quebec, professionals trained in smoking cessation can practice in smoking cessation centers.

Training as a tobacco specialist in France

To become a tobacco specialist, you must have an inter-university diploma (DIU) in tobacco science.

The training is open to general practitioners and specialists, pharmacists, dental surgeons, postgraduate students of general medicine, specialty interns, nurses, midwives, psychologists or physiotherapists.

Training as a tobacco specialist in Quebec

There are training courses in smoking cessation, open to health professionals.

To have a tobacco consultation:

• in Quebec, you can consult the website “j’arrête”, to help you free yourself from tobacco (3);
• in France, via the «tabac info service» website (4).

In France, in the majority of cases, consultation with a tobacco specialist is paid for by health insurance.

In Quebec, smoking cessation services are free.