Combining medication with behavioral support roughly doubles quit rates compared to either alone. Our program pairs a prescriber managing varenicline (Chantix) with a CBT therapist over a structured 12-week course.
Conditions we treat
- Cigarette smoking
- E-cigarette and vape dependence
- Smokeless tobacco and pouches
- Polysubstance nicotine use
- Relapse after prior quit attempts
Our approach
Quitting nicotine is hard because the drug rewires reward, attention, and stress circuits. We treat both the neurobiology and the behavior:
Medical management
Prescriber-led varenicline titration, including the flexible-quit protocol that lets you set a quit date 1–5 weeks after starting.
CBT skills
Weekly therapy targeting triggers, urges, identity, and relapse prevention.
Tracking
Daily check-ins via app, with carbon monoxide self-tests for cigarette users who want objective feedback.
How it works
- 1
Intake
Medical and behavioral assessment with both providers in the first week.
- 2
Lead-in (weeks 1–2)
Start varenicline, begin CBT, set a quit date.
- 3
Quit and stabilize (weeks 3–8)
Active quitting with weekly therapy and prescriber check-ins.
- 4
Maintenance (weeks 9–12)
Relapse-prevention skills and medication taper planning.
Is this right for you?
Best for
- Adults motivated to quit within the next month
- Those who have tried and relapsed in the past
- Heavy daily users (>10 cigarettes/day or all-day vape use)
Not the right fit
- Patients with active suicidal ideation (varenicline contraindication review needed)
- Pregnant patients (we refer to specialized programs)
- Severe untreated psychiatric illness without existing care team
Frequently asked questions
Why varenicline and not nicotine replacement?
Varenicline has the strongest evidence base of any single agent for tobacco cessation. Some patients combine it with NRT under prescriber guidance.
What about the old varenicline warnings?
The FDA black box warning on neuropsychiatric effects was removed in 2016 after the EAGLES trial showed no significant excess risk. We still screen carefully.
Does this work for vaping?
Yes. The combination of CBT and varenicline is increasingly used for vape cessation, with growing evidence of effectiveness.
What if I relapse?
Relapse is part of most successful quit journeys. Our program treats it as data, not failure, and adjusts the plan.
Ready to start?
Schedule a free 15-minute discovery call to see if this program fits your needs.