Smoking Cessation in Troy, MI

Quitting tobacco is not just about willpower. For most people, nicotine is a physical addiction layered on top of a deeply ingrained habit, and going it alone is hard. The good news is that the right combination of medical support and behavioral strategy dramatically improves your odds.

At Phase Medical Group in Troy, MI, Dr. Alex Christofis is a board-certified family medicine physician who builds personalized smoking cessation plans around your habits, your triggers, and your goals. Whether you have tried to quit before or this is your first attempt, your physician provides the medical support and genuine encouragement you need. No pressure. No judgment for setbacks.

Why Quitting Matters at Any Age

It is never too late. No matter how long you have used tobacco, your body starts to heal the moment you stop. Within 20 minutes, your heart rate and blood pressure start to drop. Within a year, your risk of heart disease falls to about half that of a current smoker. Over time, quitting dramatically lowers your risk of lung cancer, stroke, COPD, and many other serious conditions.

Most patients notice improvements within weeks: better breathing, more energy, improved taste and smell, fewer coughs. Quitting also protects the people around you from secondhand smoke.

Your Personalized Quit Plan

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to quitting. Your physician works with you to build a plan that fits your specific situation. During your initial consultation, we will cover:

• Your smoking history and how much you currently use
• Previous quit attempts and what worked or did not
• Your personal triggers and daily habits around tobacco
• Any underlying health conditions that affect treatment options
• Your preferred approach, whether gradual reduction or a set quit date
• Support systems available to you at home and at work

This plan becomes your roadmap. We adjust as needed based on how things are going, because quitting is a process, not a single event.

Treatment Options We Offer

Your physician may recommend one or more of the following based on your needs:

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): Patches, gum, and lozenges reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms by delivering controlled amounts of nicotine without the harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke. NRT can be used alone or combined with other treatments for better results.

Prescription Medications: Medications such as varenicline (Chantix) and bupropion (Wellbutrin) work in different ways to cut cravings and make smoking less satisfying. Your physician will review your medical history to determine if these are safe and appropriate for you.

Behavioral Counseling: Tobacco use is both a physical addiction and a behavioral habit. Counseling helps you identify triggers, develop coping strategies, and build the mental tools to stay smoke-free long term.

What to Expect During Your Visits

Your first visit typically runs 20 to 30 minutes. Your physician reviews your health history, assesses your level of nicotine dependence, and discusses treatment options in detail. Together, you will set a target quit date and outline your plan.

Follow-up visits are where most of the work happens. We check on your progress, manage any medication side effects, and adjust the plan as needed. Many patients benefit from multiple follow-up sessions in the first few months after quitting. If you have a setback, we help you get back on track - no guilt, no shame.

Insurance and Medicare Coverage

Most insurance plans cover tobacco cessation counseling as a preventive service. Medicare covers up to eight tobacco cessation counseling sessions per year for beneficiaries who use tobacco, often as part of your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit. Many plans also cover nicotine replacement products and prescription cessation medications, though coverage varies. Our team can help you understand your benefits before you begin treatment.

If any lab work is ordered as part of your care, it is billed separately through your insurance.

Why Choose Phase Medical Group

At Phase Medical Group, Dr. Alex Christofis does not just tell you to quit. Your physician partners with you through every step, combining evidence-based treatments with genuine encouragement. What sets our practice apart:

• Board-certified family medicine physician, not a walk-in clinic
• Personalized plans built around your habits, triggers, and goals
• Full access to NRT, prescription options, and behavioral counseling
• Non-judgmental follow-up - setbacks are part of the process, not a failure
• Coordinated care for related conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and respiratory issues
• Conveniently located at 6905 Rochester Road in Troy, MI

Areas We Serve

Conveniently located at 6905 Rochester Road in Troy, MI. Serving Troy, Rochester Hills, Sterling Heights, Shelby Township, Oakland County, Macomb County, and the greater Metro Detroit area.

Taking the first step is the hardest part - we are here to help you quit for good. Call Phase Medical Group at 248-847-0626 or request an appointment online.