Helping hands : Stop-smoking program uses 12-step approach

Name of program: Nicotine Anonymous, 10814 E. Broadway Ave.

What it does: This program uses the same 12 steps of similar programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous to help people quit smoking, according to Randy Milleville.

The program uses spiritual guidance rather than stop-smoking aids to get members through the challenges of quitting.

Who runs it: Although the program is based on the Alcoholics Anonymous program, Nicotine Anonymous is its own entity.

How to get help: Anyone interested in attending a meeting should call Milleville at 926-9804.

Typical client: Milleville said that many of the people who come to the meetings are between the ages of 50 to 65 who have been told by their doctors that they must quit smoking.

How to give help: The program doesn’t use volunteers and they don’t take donations. They don’t keep records of attendees and the only expense is for the meeting spaces.

Attendees can make a donation when they attend a meeting, but it’s not required.