Smoking cessation is going to look different for everyone. LiveWell Dorset affirms that part of that is because people have various reasons for smoking in the first place like emotional regulation or habit. If you’re ready to quit smoking, you need to keep that in mind while searching for the solution that works for you.
You may want to consider therapy, as professional help can guide you when you find quitting too challenging. However, different kinds of therapy also exist to address the various reasons for cigarette use. To get you started, here are three types used for smoking cessation and how they measure up to each other.
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)
One of the most challenging aspects of quitting smoking is the withdrawal symptoms, which can become even more pronounced if you quit cold turkey and may cause you to relapse. NRT prevents this. It involves switching to tobacco-free nicotine products so you can quit gradually. It’s a great option for people who suffer from tobacco dependence and fear the adverse effects of quitting. The variety of NRT products available even lets you address factors like your previous smoking preferences and current lifestyle. Nicotine pouches and patches are two such products that exemplify this.
Nicotine pouches are placed between your gum and upper lip to deliver nicotine into your bloodstream. Philip Morris’ newly-acquired brand ZYN has spearmint pouches listed on Prilla that mimic the taste of menthol cigarettes. They don’t stain the teeth or require spitting either. These features may encourage former menthol cigarette smokers or smokers wanting to improve their hygiene to switch away from cigarettes. Meanwhile, nicotine patches deliver nicotine through the skin. Nicotinell provides transdermal patches that can be hidden under clothing for discretion. They also last for up to 24 hours, making them a great choice for former smokers on the go. Both products come in different nicotine strengths you can consume less of over time, showing how NRT can be a helpful tool for step-by-step quitting.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
Sometimes, smoking is a deeply-rooted behaviour that goes beyond physical urges. For example, witnessing a parent’s smoking habit can influence you to hold certain beliefs, like associating cigarettes with caretaking or maturity—even if you’re unconscious of these thought processes. CBT can bring these beliefs to light. It’s a form of talking therapy, meaning you speak to a trained professional who helps you resolve unhelpful patterns. CBT teaches you coping skills for different situations and trains you to focus on how your thoughts and attitudes affect your behaviour. The NHS endorses it for those who are facing depression, anxiety, and problems to do with addictions or obsessions.
CBT is very flexible to your needs—for example, you can take it individually or as group therapy. You’ll learn mental exercises and practises you can invoke in any stressful situation, which can help you become a more resilient person overall. On the other hand, CBT takes a lot of work and requires you to dedicate time for both sessions and any other activity you’re asked to do by your therapist. It also doesn’t address cravings or the biological effects of smoking cessation. CBT is best for those who need help managing smoking cessation as a psychological issue.
Bioresonance therapy
Bioresonance therapy leverages the power of your body’s natural energy wavelengths to assist you in quitting smoking. It holds that the DNA of your unhealthy cells emits a particular electromagnetic signature, which can be detected and changed back to regular frequency via machines like the BICOM BodyCheck2 and the Life Expert Profi. Our pilot study, ‘Evidence for the Efficacy of a Bioresonance Method in Smoking Cessation’, demonstrates the efficacy of bioresonance in aiding smoking cessation in particular—we found that 28.6% of the bioresonance group were still cigarette-free a year after the procedure, in comparison to the 16.1% of the placebo group.
Bioresonance therapy is a simple and clinically effective method for smoking cessation with no harmful effects. You need only do it once, and it lessens your desire to smoke. While it is a uniform process that doesn’t factor in psychological difficulties, it’s a fast and powerful way to stop smoking.
Successful smoking cessation requires a bespoke approach for the individual. Start with these therapies to see what’s right for you.