Smoking Cessation Counseling & Pharmacotherapy

Your treatment begins with an honest, judgment-free conversation about your smoking history, past quit attempts, and what makes quitting feel difficult. Together you and Dr. Golian set a realistic quit date and choose the right combination of support for you.

Most plans pair behavioral counseling with one or more medications, such as nicotine replacement therapy (patches, gum, or lozenges) or a prescription option like varenicline or bupropion. These approaches ease cravings and withdrawal while you build new habits, and your plan is adjusted over time based on how you respond.

Before your visit, it helps to reflect on your smoking patterns, your triggers, and any previous methods you've tried. Bring a list of your current medications and supplements so they can be reviewed alongside any new prescriptions during your medication review.

If you have related conditions such as COPD, asthma, or concerns about cardiovascular disease prevention, let Dr. Golian know, since these shape both your urgency to quit and your medication options.

Quitting is a process, and regular follow-up is what keeps you on track. Dr. Golian checks in on your cravings, side effects, and progress, adjusting your medication or counseling support as needed, with the convenience of telehealth visits when an in-person appointment isn't necessary.

If a slip happens, it's treated as information rather than failure, and your plan is refined to help you succeed. When specialized lung or cardiac care is appropriate, Dr. Golian coordinates referrals including Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles.