Which methods are recognized?
Nicotine-based products (patches, gums, sublingual lozenges) and behavioural and cognitive therapies are all recognized methods; other methods have not yet obtained consensus regarding their efficacy.
Who decides on the validity of an “anti-tobacco” product?
Products sold to suppress cigarette cravings or those reducing dependency are defined as drugs (article L. 511 of the Public Health code, in accordance with article 17 of the n° 76-616 law dated July 9 1976). These products and their marketing must therefore be subjected to specific market authorization and manufactured and sold by an authorized pharmaceutical establishment.
Which methods have been scientifically tested?
Nicotine replacement therapies remain to this day the most extensively studied smoking cessation techniques; pharmacologically and clinically speaking. Compared to a placebo, success rates are multiplied by 2 or 3 depending on the analyses.
I was recommended plants to help quit …
Beware of charlatanism. Quitting smoking can be an ordeal: it is therefore essential to rely on proven treatments or methods, and remember that there is no such thing as miracle cures. There are however effective solutions that can be associated to one another.
What about homeopathy?
Smoking cessation via homeopathy is based on dilutions of either tobacco or other molecules known to help smokers, and on an interview with your homeopath doctor who will determine your personality and recommend a specific homeopathic treatment best adapted to the latter. No scientific evaluation has however yet been published.
My brother stopped smoking thanks to acupuncture. I don’t believe in this therapy: should I try it anyway?
Smoking cessation treatment by acupuncture consists in stimulating “energy networks” by placing needles onto specific points. The results are interesting: acupuncture seems to reduce the urge to smoke, although this is not backed by specific scientific evaluation. The first group therapy for smokers was created in 1955 in the USA. It included conferences, physical exercises, diet…Many “Quit smoking” programmes do exist in France; their efficacy is real, particularly when organized within companies.
Can you give me a list of all methods available to stop smoking?
Besides previously mentioned methods, other techniques appear to favour cessation, such as relaxation therapy, thalassotherapy, hypnosis and courses of treatment at a spa. Other methods such as , mesotherapy, laser, electronic micro-massages have however not demonstrated their efficacy...
Valerian is also used. Nicotine-free cigarettes work as an oral and gestural replacement, but remain toxic (CO, irritating substances and tars)...
I trust alternative therapies and am aware that I must do something about my tobacco dependency. Can I use several methods at once?
There is no universal nor single treatment against nicotine dependency. The efficacy of nicotine replacement therapies (patches or gums for instance) has been demonstrated, just like that of behavioural therapy by health professionals. Keeping this in mind, don’t hesitate to elaborate the programme that suits you best, such as patches and relaxation or a stay at a spa if you can afford it. The best method is finally to one that suits you.