In the five-step '5 As' approach to tobacco cessation counseling, what is the FIRST step?

The 5 As framework for tobacco cessation: (1) Ask — systematically identify tobacco users at every clinical encounter; (2) Advise — strongly urge all tobacco users to quit; (3) Assess — determine the patient's willingness and readiness to quit; (4) Assist — provide counseling and pharmacotherapy (NRT, varenicline, bupropion); (5) Arrange — schedule follow-up contact to monitor progress. The first step is always Ask — without identifying tobacco use, no intervention can be delivered.