Drawing together the available evidence on tobacco and smoking cessation interventions the following conclusions can be drawn:
1. Nicotine is widely recognised as an addictive substance but is currently outwith regulatory control in the United Kingdom.
2. There are a range of effective smoking cessation interventions which can be delivered in a variety of settings by a variety of health professionals.
3. Evidence shows that brief advice to stop smoking from primary care staff and health professionals in other settings increases cessation rates over and above unaided quit attempts.
4. Nicotine replacement therapy is an effective adjunct to brief advice and support. It is of proven effectiveness and proven cost-effectiveness.
5. Compared with other health care interventions, almost all forms of smoking cessation interventions are cost-effective, from brief intervention by GPs through local No Smoking Day activities to mass media campaigns and telephone helplines.
6. Tobacco use is a major cause of inequalities in health. Among the most deprived groups the great majority of people currently become smokers and having started are unlikely ever to stop.
7. Smoking cessation interventions in pregnancy are unique in having both immediate health gains and cost savings.
8. There are no smoking cessation services aimed at young people in Scotland and no evidence of the effectiveness or cost-effectiveness of different interventions.
9. There is insufficient evidence at present on which to make recommendations on cessation interventions in the community and those aimed at tackling inequalities in health