5.3.2 Helping Others on Their Journey

Leverage network effects when designing cessation programs

The network effect of smoking cessation has direct implications for program design.¹ Cessation interventions targeting clustered social groups - workplaces, families, friend circles - can leverage the contagion effect to achieve population-level impact beyond individual enrollment. Consider designing referral mechanisms that allow successful quitters to bring peers into the program. The termination-stage patient is the ideal ambassador: credible, experienced, and intrinsically motivated to help others.