New smoking group is started at the 14th Health Center

Continuing the actions to combat smoking, the 14th Mário Andréa Health Center began this Monday afternoon (20), the activities of yet another Smoking Group.

In this first meeting, the group formed by 15 people participated in a group dynamic to share experiences about addiction. Among the participants was the commerce worker Edson Pacheco, 54 years old, who has been using cigarettes for 36 years. “I tried to stop on my own, but I never managed. I am very stressed out and the cigarette serves as an escape valve. This time I'm hoping that I'll cure myself of this addiction,” he said.

After the dynamic, the dependents underwent a clinical evaluation and individual interviews to estimate the degree of chemical and psychological dependence. From there, they will participate in individual and group sessions to discuss tobacco-related illnesses and the benefits of quitting smoking. The treatment lasts an average of three months and patients who need it will also be referred for the use of medication.

The actions of the Tobacco Group at the 14th Center count on the support of the BAHIANA.


the smoke
Smoking is recognized as an epidemic disease resulting from nicotine dependence classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the group of mental and behavioral disorders resulting from the use of psychoactive substances (ICD 10).

Salvador is one of the Brazilian capitals with the lowest rate of smokers, according to a survey released in April this year by the Ministry of Health. . The result of the assessment encourages and reinforces actions to combat smoking already implemented by the Municipal Health Department.

Created in 2006, the Municipal Tobacco Control Program assisted around 800 patients last year alone, 45% of which stopped smoking, confirming the importance of control and prevention actions.

Those interested in quitting smoking can register at the reception of one of the 10 units in the city that are part of the Tobacco Program.

List of SMS units:

1. 14th Doctor Mário Andréa Health Center (Sete Portas)

2. São Francisco Health Center (Tororó)

3. Pires da Veiga Basic Health Unit (Pau da Lima)

4. 13th Professor Eduardo B. Mamede Health Center (Mussurunga)

5. Gamboa Family Health Unit

6. Oswaldo Camargo Mental Health Center (Rio Vermelho)

7. Federation Family Health Unit

8. Adriano Pondé Reference Center for Cardiovascular Diseases (Amaralina)

9. Iolanda Pires Family Health Unit (Cajazeiras)

10. Psychosocial Care Center for Alcohol and Drugs Pernambués

Source: Municipal Health Department website