Unwillingness to Quit: The 5 Rs

The "5Rs," Relevance, Risks, Rewards, Roadblocks, and Repetition, are designed to motivate tobacco users who are unwilling to quit at this time. There are several reasons why tobacco users may be unwilling to quit: misinformation, concern about the effects of quitting, or demoralization because of previous unsuccessful quit attempts. Therefore, after asking about tobacco use, advising the tobacco user to quit, and assessing the willingness to quit, it is important to provide the "5Rs" motivational intervention.

The 5 Rs

  • Relevance

  • Risks

  • Rewards

  • Roadblocks

  • Repetition

References:

Information on 5Rs from: Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence. Quick Reference Guide for Clinicians, October 2008. U.S. Public Health Service.