The Tobacco Cessation Clinic at the Austin Medical Center will be starting a support group for those who want to quit tobacco use.

The group will meet 5 p.m. Wednesdays beginning Dec. 4 in the Patient Education Office at AMC, said Debra Skare, coordinator of the Tobacco Cessation Clinic.

Relapses, prevention tips and other concerns of those who are quitting tobacco will be discussed during the meetings, she said. Those who are helping a friend or family member quit also can come to the meetings.

"Anybody's welcome," Skare said. "You don't have to be smoker."

Skare has been involved with similar support groups, such as one at the Mayo Clinic, which started two and a half years ago.

"People say it really helps," she said.

Some sort of encouragement helps people quit using tobacco, Skare said.

"Studies have shown support helps whether it be a support group or family," she said.

The meetings will last about an hour and refreshments will be served.

For more information call Debra Skare at (507) 434-1429.

Cari Quam can be reached at 434-2235 or by e-mail at :mailto:cari.quam@austindailyherald.com