There are several stop smoking aids, the most common being pharmaceutical aids, acupuncture, hypnosis, herbal cigarettes, self-help groups and clinics. Laser therapy is the latest to be added to this long series of methods to help a smoker stop smoking.
The most popular pharmaceutical aids are nicotine replacement therapy and Zyban. The principle behind nicotine replacement therapy is to slowly reduce the dependence on nicotine-rich cigarettes. This reduces emotional distress and cuts down on withdrawal symptoms. The therapy is given in the form of gums, patches, tablets, nasal sprays and inhalers that contain lower amount of nicotine than cigarettes.
Another pharmaceutical aid is Zyban. It breaks the smoking habit by dulling the nicotine sensors present in the brain. Verenicline too stops the nicotine sensors from being stimulated thereby nullifying the pleasurable effects obtained through a smoke. However, these drugs should not be taken by people who are suffering from hypertension or epilepsy. Even others should take it under medical supervision.
Another option is to smoke cigarettes that contain herbal ingredients. This may reduce dependence on smoking but can also cause side effects because they contain high levels of tar and carbon monoxide.
Acupuncture and acupressure are other methods that can be used to stop smoking .Both these Oriental methods stimulate the release of endorphins. Endorphins are natural painkillers that create a sense of well being and lower the dependence on cigarettes. The advantage of these aids is that they don’t cause any side-effects
A similar aid is laser therapy that uses low intensity laser beams to stimulate release of endorphins, and create a sense of well-being. The smoker then does not feel the need to smoke.. Similarly, self-help clinics encourage smokers to use their will power to give up smoking. They teach smokers several mind exercises to reduce the craving for cigarettes. Success rates may not be very high but several chain smokers have benefited from these clinics, whose aim is to make individuals stronger, both mentally and emotionally.
