THERAPIES
Smoking Cessation Counseling
Tobacco use can lead to dependence and significant health problems. Quitting smoking isn’t easy, but it’s possible with support and resources to overcome addiction.
What is Smoking Cessation Counseling?
Smoking cessation counseling, also known as tobacco cessation counseling, is a type of therapeutic intervention designed to help individuals quit smoking and overcome their addiction to tobacco products.[1]
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Smoking Cessation Treatment
Smoking cessation therapy often includes behavioral approaches to increase the likelihood of success. Some of the common therapies for nicotine smoking cessation therapy include:
- CBT: CBT focuses on identifying your nicotine use triggers to help you avoid triggers and better cope with stress to avoid relapse.
- Motivational interviewing: Motivational interviewing is a type of therapy that helps you find your internal motivation toward reaching a goal, such as quitting nicotine.
These therapies may take place in an inpatient setting, which is a 24/7 facility that offers supervision and support, or an outpatient setting with more flexibility to balance recovery with your day-to-day responsibilities.
Medication for Smoking Cessation
There are currently two FDA-approved smoking cessation medications that don’t contain nicotine:
- Varenicline tartrate: This drug is a partial nicotinic agonist that blocks the pleasurable effects of nicotine.
Bupropion hydrochloride: This is an antidepressant medication that reduces cravings for nicotine.[2]
How Nicotine Replacement Therapy Works
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) helps people quit smoking by providing the body with smaller doses of nicotine over time – basically weaning off of nicotine. NRT provides nicotine to reduce withdrawal symptoms without exposing the person to toxic chemicals in cigarette smoke.
The types of NRT include:
- Skin patches: Transdermal nicotine patches are used on the skin to deliver nicotine doses.
- Chewing gum: Nicotine gum provides nicotine in small doses by chewing.
- Lozenges: Like gum, nicotine lozenges contain nicotine and dissolve in the mouth.[3]
There are also prescription smoking cessation products, including nicotine spray and nicotine inhalers.
Smoking Cessation Success Rates
Studies show that smoking cessation therapy, including nicotine replacement therapy and medications, can be successful for people looking to quit smoking. In one study, the participants had an overall success rate of 35% compared to the placebo group (4-7%).[4]
What’s the Best Way to Find Smoking Addiction treatment?
If you or a loved one are seeking help to quit smoking, talk to your healthcare provider to learn more about your options. You could also find resources through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at CDC.gov/quit and Smokefree.gov, or through the American Lung Association’s Freedom From Smoking group programs.
If you want to take the next step now, contact Paramount Wellness Retreat to learn more about our resources and therapies to quit smoking.
Quit Smoking Therapy & Treatment Applications
Though it’s legal, nicotine can be equally addictive and difficult to quit as drugs like heroin or cocaine. People who struggle with smoking cessation are increasingly realizing the benefits of undergoing formal smoking cessation therapy in a treatment center to overcome their addiction.
Smoking Cessation Counseling vs. Smoking Cessation Therapy: What’s the Difference?
Both smoking cessation counseling and smoking cessation therapy are interventions that help people quit smoking.
Smoking cessation counseling provides guidance and education to support quitting smoking, including discussions about smoking history, triggers, and motivations. Smoking cessation therapy is a more structured and intensive therapeutic approach to help people quit smoking and may include a range of evidence-based modalities, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Cost of Smoking Cessation Counseling
Smoking cessation counseling can cost between $0 and up to $2,000, depending on the facility, your care plan, and how much insurance covers. On average, people spend about $346 for smoking cessation services, including counseling, NRT, and medications.[6]
Home Remedies To Stop Smoking
If you want to try to quit smoking on your own, there are home remedies you can try to kick the habit. Here are some options to try:
- Try NRT At Home: Over-the-counter nicotine patches, gum or lozenges can help with quitting smoking or you can speak to your doctor about getting prescription options to overcome cravings. These short-acting therapies are generally safe to use.
- Avoid Triggers: Tobacco urges are often strongest in the places where you smoke the most often, such as bars or in the car. Once you identify those triggers, it’s easier to plan in advance to get through them without using tobacco.
- Delay: If you feel like you’re succumbing to a tobacco craving, make yourself wait 10 more minutes. Once you make it through that, you will feel more empowered to avoid relapse completely.
- Chew Something: Part of the difficulty in quitting smoking is the oral fixation. Chewing on sugarless gum or sucking on candy can give your mouth something to do to prevent smoking.
- Avoid “Just One”: It’s easy to convince yourself that smoking “just one” cigarette to satisfy a craving will work, but just one will lead to more. Don’t give into temptation.
- Try Physical Activity: Physical activity can distract you from tobacco cravings. Try yoga, a brisk walk, or jogging to overcome the craving.
- Remind Yourself Why You’re Quitting: When a craving comes on, write down the reasons you want to quit smoking, such as saving money or getting healthier.[5]
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Frequently Asked Questions About Quit Smoking Therapy
