Alternative Ways to Help Quit Smoking




While traditional methods of quitting smoking are popular and available almost everywhere, there are some exotic ways of quitting that might be of interest to some smokers. There has not been any scientific proof or research proving these methods are effective, but people tend to trust them. Before trying one, a person is strongly recommended to consult a doctor and find an experienced specialist.

Acupuncture

This is a technique of inserting fine needles into certain points of person’s body to control or fix various processes: relieve pain, treat allergies, lose weight, and help with indigestion. This practice came from China, where even as long ago as 3000 B.C., before needles, sharpened stones were used instead. Although Chinese specialists can treat almost everything with acupuncture, there is not much evidence of it helping with smoking.

For treating smoking, cessation specialists apply needles to certain parts of the ears. The complete cycle is done within a few visits (four or five). The acupuncture specialists claim that this method helps even those who tried other techniques and did not succeed.

Hypnosis

Individuals are affected by hypnosis differently, which is why this method might help one person and be absolutely useless for another. This is why it is impossible to say whether or not hypnosis is effective in treating smoking cessation.

However, some people claim that it works well, even after only one session. The followers of hypnosis say it has an advantage over all other methods. It uses the power of positive suggestion to help stop smoking, so besides helping one to quit, hypnosis develops and strengthens one’s will and assurance, in order to come to the right result.

Herbal Supplements

As a rule, herbal preparations are marked as dietary supplements and do not need FDA approval as ordinary drugs do. In addition, manufacturers do not have to prove their effectiveness. Such herbal mixtures usually contain Lobelia (Indian tobacco), Mimosa tea, Chinese CaoSu, Kava, Chamomile, Oak, or Willow.

A participant should keep in mind that even though there are a lot of articles telling how good herbs are in assisting smoking cessation, there have been no studies about this because dietary supplements do not need them in order to be sold.

Atropine and Scopolamine Combination Therapy

If nicotine withdrawal symptoms are too hard to handle, some clinics offer various programs. Sometimes atropine and scopolamine are combined with other medications. These mixtures were created for other reasons, being called anticholinergics, they are given to patients with digestive problems, motion sickness and Parkinson’s disease, but since smoking withdrawal symptoms are similar, the programs may just be helpful.

The medication should be given only by a doctor who knows the patient’s current health situation. Pregnant women are allowed to take atropine and scopolamine, nor are people with heart problems, glaucoma or high blood pressure.

As a rule, a participant goes through several stages of the program: on the first day, the doctor will give a shot of drugs, which is followed by a few weeks of pills. After the symptoms are not as strong, the pills are replaced by a patch behind the ear. If side-effects occur, doctors may prescribe medications to fight them as well.

Although smoking cessation clinics speak about the high success rates of these programs, there have not been enough studies to prove it. Both atropine and scopolamine are approved by FDA for other purposes, therefore the clinics do not need additional studies in order to use the drugs.

Lynn Potter

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Posted on April 1, 2009 
Filed Under How to Quit Smoking, Stop Smoking, Stop Smoking News

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