# Tobacco addiction and cessation efforts in Brazil > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/tobacco-addiction-and-cessation-efforts-in-brazil > Updated: 2026-10-20T19:38:25.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. In Brazil, public health discussions regarding tobacco use have intensified, driven by the rising popularity of electronic cigarettes among youth despite their current prohibition. Smoking is being addressed as a chronic disease caused by nicotine dependence. To combat this, various Brazilian municipalities have implemented specialized support programs. In Palmas, health services utilize Therapeutic Support Groups for Smokers (GATTs), which employ multidisciplinary monitoring and complementary practices such as auriculotherapy to manage symptoms like anxiety and stress. Other regions have established similar initiatives. In João Monlevade, the Cidade Nova Basic Health Unit conducts weekly meetings led by doctors and nurses to provide psychological support and motivation. In Castilho, the Municipal Health Secretariat has launched a program at the Integrated Health Center involving pharmacists, nurses, and pulmonologists to address the physical and behavioral aspects of addiction across diverse age groups. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-20: Brazilian municipalities launch smoking cessation support groups Health departments in João Monlevade and Castilho, Brazil, have launched professional support groups to help citizens overcome tobacco addiction through multidisciplinary medical guidance. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazilian-municipalities-launch-smoking-cessation-support-groups ### 2026-10-08: Tobacco addiction and smoking cessation efforts in Brazil Health authorities and municipal programs are addressing nicotine addiction through multidisciplinary support and complementary practices like auriculotherapy to assist in smoking cessation. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tobacco-addiction-and-smoking-cessation-efforts-in-brazil --- Cite as: Tobacco addiction and cessation efforts in Brazil. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/tobacco-addiction-and-cessation-efforts-in-brazil