Cigarette use remains one of the most prevalent substance-related addictions today, particularly among university students. Despite extensive research conducted over the years, a significant number of users and a growing potential user base persist. Therefore, effectively addressing cigarette addiction requires the implementation of diverse strategies, the development of targeted interventions, and the expansion of campus-based efforts. In this context, the present study proposes the development of a brief intervention program titled “I Am Strong, I Am Determined,” specifically designed for university students who are light to moderate smokers. The program is designed for university students and was formulated on the basis of both quantitative and qualitative needs assessments of their smoking behaviours. Its objectives are to expand and diversify campus based smoking‐cessation initiatives; prevent escalation to heavier levels of nicotine dependence among at risk individuals by means of timely and effective intervention; employ a client centred, short psychological intervention to address cigarette use. Structured as an individual intervention, the program consists of one preliminary interview and five sessions that focus on identifying smoking patterns, analyzing underlying reasons, enhancing personal skills, and encouraging goal-oriented action. Rather than aiming for immediate, abrupt cessation, the program focuses on helping students critically re evaluate their smoking behaviour, empowering them to reduce consumption and move toward a determined cessation attempt. It is recommended that university counseling and guidance centers implement this program as a secondary prevention tool to help prevent increases in smoking behavior among students.

Acknowledgement:
This work has been supported by Anadolu University Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit under grant number 2500.

Keywords: Addiction, smoking, secondary prevention, university counseling center.