Smoking cessation can be achieved using a variety of strategies and procedures. Regardless of the choice of procedure, the motivation to stop smoking represents the decisive factor in quitting addictive behavior. In the case of smoking cessation, two different variants for quitting smoking can generally be distinguished. On the one hand, it is possible to stop smoking with immediate effect; on the other hand, others favor the variant of gradually reducing the number of cigarettes. The immediate cessation of smoking is also known as the quit method and, according to various clinical studies, is the more effective method for permanently giving up smoking. To put an end to smoking, therapists recommend the disposal or surrender of all paraphernalia that may be associated with smoking. The presence of cigarettes or even ashtrays may encourage a return to the discontinued addictive behavior. Procedures
- Media – many methods are now available for quitting smoking. With the help of books, DVDs or further manuals (instructions), it should be easier for the person to stop the addictive behavior. However, the quality of these methods varies considerably, so that as a rule the probability of success of the respective method does not exceed ten percent. Because of this, this form of withdrawal is generally discouraged. However, the success rate can be increased by simultaneously taking nicotine replacement products.
- Hypnosis – the goal of hypnosis is to analyze various smoking situations and settings (situation) associated with the urge to smoke. However, unlike behavioral therapy, the analysis is performed in a trance. The analysis is also accompanied by the search for alternatives to the addictive behavior at hand. Furthermore, hypnosis for smoking cessation also establishes a negative association with smoking in order to reduce mental cravings. The decisive factor for the expected success of the procedure is the positive expectation of the person concerned. The use of this procedure is associated with a significantly higher probability of success compared to smoking cessation without additional therapeutic measures.
- Acupuncture – following the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the application of acupuncture is used for smoking cessation. The principle of this method is based on the stimulation of specific energy points, thus restoring the balance of the organism by correcting so-called energy flows. It is important to choose the right energy points in order to achieve an adequate organ-specific effect. The active principle of acupuncture is mainly based on the calming effects of the treatment, through which both physical and mental withdrawal symptoms can be significantly reduced without practicing addictive behavior. Furthermore, acupuncture can help alleviate the after-effects of smoking cessation. Consequential symptoms such as an increased feeling of hunger or sweating, for example, can be significantly attenuated through the use of acupuncture. The probability of success of the procedure is directly dependent on the expectation. The probability of permanent tobacco cessation is almost equal to that of hypnosis.
- Nicotine replacement therapy – this method of smoking cessation represents one of the most commonly used procedures for smoking cessation. However, it should be noted that nicotine replacement therapy is a misleading name, because in no way the nicotine, but instead the cigarette is replaced. Thus, this form of smoking cessation allows a continuous reduction in the amount of nicotine without the withdrawal symptoms affecting the willpower of the smoker. Forms of application of nicotine replacement therapy include nicotine patches and gum. It should be noted, however, that success without accompanying therapy measures is recognizably less effective. Group therapy, for example, doubles the success rate of nicotine replacement therapy. For the effective use of this therapy option, the intake of nicotine replacement substances for two to three months is necessary.
- Medication smoking cessation – unlike nicotine replacement therapy, medication cessation occurs without the use of nicotine.Bupropion hydrochloride (bupropion HCL; belongs to the group of atypical antidepressants), for example, is a substance that reduces the desire to smoke as part of the withdrawal symptoms. Furthermore, however, this substance is characterized by significant adverse drug effects, such as sleep disturbances (insomnia), headaches (cephalgia), concentration problems, dry mouth, gastrointestinal (gastrointestinal) disturbances, as well as nausea (nausea) and vomiting. The likelihood of success of drug withdrawal can be improved by adjunctive therapy. Currently, research is being conducted on the substance methoxalene for smoking cessation, which is currently used for psoriasis (psoriasis).
- Behavioral therapy – the use of behavioral therapy for smoking cessation is based on the learning effect of reconditioning. The learned behavior “smoking” should not only be extinguished, but instead replaced by new behavior patterns. Behavioral therapy can be provided either through group therapy or through brief intervention in individual therapy. The prospects of success of the procedure are particularly in combination with additional smoking cessation procedures as relatively good.
