[Therapy for smoking: a challenge for the physician].

Smoking cessation is an outstanding and absolute necessity. But there is less possibility of permanent cessation by the first treatment. Combined therapy (e. g. psychological and drugs etc) will reduce relapses. Frequent information of the public via the media is most important and improves the changes of lasting smoking cessation. No doubt smoking cessation has great relevance in health policy and should be supported by all institutions concerned.