A patient presents who is addicted to tobacco. According to the '5 As' framework for tobacco cessation counseling, what is the FIRST step?

The '5 As' model for tobacco cessation counseling is: (1) Ask — systematically ask about tobacco use at every visit; (2) Advise — give clear, strong advice to quit; (3) Assess — determine the patient's willingness to quit; (4) Assist — help with a quit plan, pharmacotherapy, behavioral counseling; (5) Arrange — schedule follow-up contact. The first step is always to Ask, because you must identify the patient's tobacco use status before any other intervention can occur.