Tobacco Dependence: Therapy

General measures

Smoking cessation counseling
Limited alcohol consumption (men: max. 25 g alcohol per day; women: max. 12 g alcohol per day) – alcohol has a disinhibiting effect. Thus, made resolutions to stop smoking can be invalidated.
Avoidance of psychosocial stress:
- Stress
Important notice. E-cigarettes (called electronic cigarette or vaporizer; vaping) are not a recognized smoking cessation aid. A study on this topic came to the following conclusion: smokers who used e-cigarettes had an increased risk of not quitting smoking.Furthermore, condensates of the vapor lead to dysfunction and death of macrophages (“scavenger cells”). The study also showed that both the liquids and the condensate reduce the viability of macrophages. Similarly, the condensates were shown to limit the ability of macrophages to take up bacteria and other contaminants. This shows that the macrophages so damaged can no longer perform their important task, namely phagocytosis (dissolution and rendering harmless) of bacteria, dust particles and allergens.

Nutritional counseling based on nutritional analysis
Nutritional recommendations according to a mixed diet taking into account the disease at hand. This means, among other things:
- Daily total of 5 servings of fresh vegetables and fruits (≥ 400 g; 3 servings of vegetables and 2 servings of fruits).
- Once or twice a week fresh sea fish, i.e. fatty marine fish (omega-3 fatty acids) such as salmon, herring, mackerel.
- High-fiber diet (whole grains, vegetables).
Selection of appropriate food based on the nutritional analysis
See also under “Therapy with micronutrients (vital substances)” – if necessary, taking a suitable dietary supplement.
Detailed information on nutritional medicine you will receive from us.

Endurance training (cardio training) and strength training (muscle training) – for therapy (very effective!).
Preparation of a fitness or training plan with suitable sports disciplines based on a medical check (health check or athlete check).
Detailed information on sports medicine you will receive from us.

Medical relaxation techniques or exercises such as autogenic training or progressive muscle relaxation according to Jacobsen.
Medical hypnosis (synonym: hypnotherapy) – is not considered an effective treatment method.
Suggestive methods
Behavioral therapy

See the two chapters on “Smoking cessation” and “Psychosomatics (including stress management)” for the above therapy methods. These contents can be taught in group as well as individual therapy sessions.

For more detailed information on psychosomatics (including stress management), please contact us.